Unchecked orchard waste burning threatens air quality, climate, and apple cultivation—growers demand legal action and sustainable solutions.
Why Is Orchard Waste Burning a Major Issue?
The burning of orchard waste during winter has become a pressing environmental and health concern in apple-growing regions. This practice releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to severe air pollution, climate change, and health issues such as respiratory diseases. Apple growers and environmental activists in Himachal Pradesh argue that authorities have failed to take adequate action to curb this practice, pushing them to seek legal intervention.
What Is the Problem?
Despite repeated complaints, the district administration, Pollution Control Board, and environment departments have not taken concrete measures to address the growing menace of orchard waste burning. While the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the burning of paddy straw due to its environmental impact, a similar ban on orchard waste burning has yet to be enforced.
According to a report by the Pollution Control Board in 2020, orchard waste burning has reached alarming levels, causing widespread pollution and posing serious environmental and health risks. The report even recommended banning the practice and imposing financial penalties on offenders. However, no significant action has been taken so far.
Who Is Raising the Issue?
Shiv Pratap Bhimta, Secretary of Paryavaran Sarankshan Samiti, Kotkhai, has been at the forefront of this fight. The Samiti has been urging authorities for years to take strict action against orchard waste burning. Frustrated by the lack of response, they now plan to approach the court, demanding a legal ban on this hazardous practice.
Harish Chauhan, a progressive apple grower from Rohru, has also voiced concerns, linking orchard waste burning to changing local weather patterns. He argues that the declining snowfall and rainfall in apple-growing regions are partially due to excessive carbon emissions from large-scale biomass burning.
When Did the Problem Start?
Although orchard waste burning has been a long-standing issue, it has worsened in recent years. In 2020, the Pollution Control Board acknowledged its severe impact in a report, but no significant steps have been taken to control it. The problem has only intensified, with each winter seeing an increase in the practice.
Additionally, for three consecutive years, apple growers have observed a drastic reduction in winter snowfall and rainfall, affecting apple production. Experts suggest that biomass burning could be a contributing factor to these weather changes.
Where Is This Issue Prevalent?
The problem is primarily affecting apple-growing regions in India, especially in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. These areas depend on winter snowfall and rain for apple cultivation, making them particularly vulnerable to climate disruptions caused by pollution.
How Can the Problem Be Solved?
Several solutions have been proposed to tackle orchard waste burning effectively:
- Legal Ban on Orchard Waste Burning – Just as paddy straw burning has been banned, a similar law should be enacted to prohibit the burning of orchard waste. This would empower authorities to take strict action against violators.
- Strict Monitoring and Penalties – The Pollution Control Board and local administrations should enforce penalties on those found burning orchard waste. Complaint mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure prompt action against offenders.
- Awareness Campaigns – While awareness campaigns are being conducted, they have had limited success. More extensive and targeted awareness programs should be implemented to educate farmers on the environmental impact of waste burning.
- Alternative Waste Management Solutions – The government should promote environmentally friendly waste disposal methods such as composting. Providing subsidies on shredders can help farmers convert orchard waste into organic manure instead of burning it.
The unchecked burning of orchard waste poses a severe threat to the environment, public health, and the apple industry. While activists and farmers continue to push for action, authorities have yet to take meaningful steps. If no urgent action is taken, the consequences could be devastating for both agriculture and the environment. A legal ban, strict enforcement, and sustainable waste management solutions are the need of the hour to protect apple-growing regions from further ecological damage.
( Source The Tribune)