Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Become New Stubble Burning Hotspots | AI News Digest
In a noteworthy shift that has captured international attention, recent satellite observations reveal that Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) have become major hotspots for stubble burning in North India, overtaking the historically problematic regions of Punjab and Haryana. From October 1 to 14, UP documented 158 incidents of stubble burning, while MP recorded 70, in stark contrast to Punjab’s 39 and Haryana’s 9. This trend is largely attributed to a surge in paddy cultivation, with UP leading in paddy acreage at 74.25 lakh acres. Environmental experts emphasize that, although Punjab and Haryana have experienced a decline in stubble fires this season—primarily due to crop losses from flooding—the increase in burning in UP and MP presents new challenges for air quality across the region. As the paddy-wheat crop cycle continues in these states, the likelihood of farmers resorting to stubble burning as a waste disposal method remains high.
Read more...
