Stubble Burning Can Make COVID-19 Situation Worse In North States

Photo courtesy: PTI (Representational image)

Most North Indian states grapple with stubble burning ahead of the Rabi crop sowing season every year. It leads to alarming pollution levels. However, this year, experts are worried that rising pollution levels may worsen the pandemic, India Today reported.

According to an agricultural-cum-environment expert, who has been quoted in a PTI news report, large-scale stubble burning can exacerbate the coronavirus crisis in northern states.

“If alternate arrangements to stubble burning are not made, pollutants like particulate matters and toxic gases like Carbon Monoxide and Methane could give rise to severe respiratory problems, which will further worsen the Covid-19 situation, as the Coronavirus also impacts the respiratory tract,” Sanjeev Nagpal, who is also an advisor to the Union and the Punjab governments on the crop residue management was quoted as saying by India Today.

“Last year, nearly 50,000 cases of stubble burning were reported in Punjab. Stubble burning contributes about 18 to 40 per cent of particulate matter to the atmosphere in northern plains. It also emits large amounts of toxic pollutants like Methane, Carbon Monoxide and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,” he said in the report.

Stubble burning vs respiratory functions

The rising pollution level in north India could lead to an increase in the low fatality rate. High levels of pollution can make the respiratory functions in human beings weaker besides impacting the immune system, the report said, adding that this could make citizens living in north Indian states more susceptible to the deadly virus.

Experts have advised states to make alternate arrangements for stubble burning but also ensure that people wear masks while stepping out of the house, the report added.