INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
North Indian states could face a major problem later this month when stubble burning starts ahead of the Rabi crop sowing season, according
to an agricultural-cum-environment expert.The expert, who has been quoted in a PTI news report, explained that large-scale stubble burning
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.Follow coronavirus live updates"Last year, nearly 50,000 cases of stubble burning
Stubble burning contributes about 18 to 40 per cent of particulate matter to the atmosphere in northern plains
However, this year, experts are worried that rising pollution levels may worsen the pandemic.The PTI news report highlighted that stubble
burning in Haryana and Punjab had contributed to 44 per cent of pollution in Delhi-NCR in 2019.It may be noted that 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.This could make
citizens living in north Indian state more susceptible to the deadly virus, which has already claimed over 86,000 lives in India.In such a
scenario, experts have advised states to not only make alternate arrangements for stubble burning but also ensure that its citizens wear
masks while stepping out of the house
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