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It's a persistent environmental challenge with significant health, economic, and inter-state implications, requiring policy interventions and technological solutions.
Stubble burning is the practice of intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, such as paddy, have been harvested. It is a significant contributor to air pollution, particularly in North India, leading to smog and health hazards.
Primary Cause
Rapid mechanical harvesting leaves crop residue, which farmers burn to quickly clear fields for the next crop cycle.
Environmental Impact
Releases particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide, methane, and other harmful gases, severely degrading air quality.
Affected Regions
Predominantly Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, significantly impacting the air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Alternatives
In-situ management (e.g., Happy Seeder, Pusa decomposer) and ex-situ management (e.g., biomass power plants, industrial use) are promoted.
Static syllabus anchors
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Environmental Pollution |
| Conceptual area | Agricultural Practices |
Institutions & roles
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) | Monitors and regulates |
| State Governments (Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan) | Implements and enforces |
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
With reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
With reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
With reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
Open questionWith reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Open questionArtificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
Open questionWith reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Open questionArtificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
Open questionWith reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
Open questionConsider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Open questionCAQM urges NCR States to deploy drones to monitor stubble burning
30 Jul 2026 · Stubble burning is the practice of burning crop residue after harvest, a major cause of air pollution in North India, especially the NCR, releasing harmful pollutants. Solutions include in-situ and ex-situ management.
Read articleUPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Stubble Burning in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.
Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.
In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m³ and annual mean of...
Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group o...
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
With reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequest...
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon d...
Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combus...
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished ...
Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1. state the requirement of public participati...
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