ABSTRACT

In recent years, stubble burning is highlighted as the most contentious issue related to the agriculture–water–environment triangle in India. The practice is observed mainly after kharif crop is harvested, in the northwestern part of India, covering the states of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. More than 23 Million Metric Tons (MMT) stubble, is burnt during late September to October each year, causing massive air pollution in the National Capital Region in Delhi, creating severe environmental and human health problems. Over the past few decades, the irrigation in this part has witnessed a major shift from canals to underlying aquifers, resulting in pervasive overexploitation of groundwater resources. The present study covers the state of Haryana, focusing on the possible reasons for the practice and whether it is linked to the steps taken by the state government to curb groundwater overexploitation, like the enactment of the Haryana Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, 2009. A village-based study revealed that the imposition of the Act has impacted positively in reducing groundwater pumping. A host of actions are needed to combat the resulting stubble burning, for example promoting crop diversification, fine-tuning the Act in view of agronomic practice, adopting technological innovation, promoting alternative use of stubbles and also capacity building and behavioral change of farmers.