Stubble burning: This formula could have saved Delhi its smog menace

CII, NITI Aayog said farmers need to be aided financially to shift to an alternative method of dealing with agriculture waste

Stubble burning in North and North-west India has been cited as a major reason for dense smog and heavy air pollution in Delhi. A report in The Indian Express says that the burning of crop residue by farmers could have been averted if the Centre and states concerned had reached an agreement to share a proposed financial incentive package for farmers.

The unabated stubble burning, especially in Punjab and Haryana, estimated to be around 35 million tonnes, was banned by the National Green Tribunal in November 2015.