CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -It is a significant source of gaseous pollutants such as, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and methane (CH4) as well as particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) causing serious damage to human health and the environment.

Detailed explanation-2: -The harmful effects of stubble-burning range from eye irritation to skin infections. And in chronic cases exposure to a high level of air pollution such as lung diseases like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung capacity loss, emphysema, cancer, etc.

Detailed explanation-3: -After paddy is harvested in mid and late October, the fields are left with a stubble of stalks about two feet high. Because the sowing cycle for wheat begins in late October, farmers have very little time to prepare their fields – so, they typically set fire to the stubble, and then clear the residue.

Detailed explanation-4: -Emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Detailed explanation-5: -Effects of Stubble Burning: They may eventually cause smog. Soil Fertility: Burning husk on ground destroys the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile. Heat Penetration: Heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.