NEW DELHI: Considering the fact that burning of stalk of crops is one of the major reasons behind pollution, people want government to subsidise seeding equipment for farmers so that farmers can plant crop without burning the existing stalk in the field. Citizen engagement platform Local Circles released a study based on citizen feedback outlining what key steps should be taken to reduce pollution in Indian cities.
82% of total 24,000 surveyed citizens want government to subsidise seeding equipment for farmers so that farmers can plant crop without burning the existing stalk in the field.
One of the major reasons for increase in pollution in North India is the burning of the stalk of crops in rural areas in the North. This is done to prepare fields for planting seeds for the next crop. Farmers have been saying that the cost of seeding equipment is very high and is unaffordable. New generation seeding equipment allows plantation of seeds to be done without resorting to burning or removing stalks of the earlier crops. Some states do provide subsidy for the new generation seeding equipment but it is inadequate.
In the poll which received more than 24,000 responses, 82% of the citizens say that a more extensive subsidy program need to be put together by central and state government to bring down the cost. Only 11% citizens voted against this and 7% were unsure. Citizens also recommend that such equipment can be provided on rental and the cost for the farmers could be brought down.
Construction also creates fine dust that causes smog and adds to the pollution in cities. In the second poll, citizens were divided on whether construction during winters should be banned. 44% said it should be banned while 46% say it should not be, clearly showing that the population is divided on this front. 25,284 votes were polled on this question. However, one solution according to citizens could be mandatory rules to be followed during construction including covering the area under construction adequately.
On the issue of burning of garbage 91% citizens said that municipal corporations should completely discourage it, with only 7% voting against it. Garbage Burning is quite common in North India during winter months as many of the municipal workers and garbage pickers themselves and the poor burn garbage to stay warm. A communication and and training effort will have to be put in place in the next few months, such that this practice ends.