Stubble Burning Across 17 Lakh Acres In Telangana Threatens Hyderabad Air Quality

During the recent Yasangi season, crop residues were burnt across approximately 17 lakh acres in Telangana, posing a severe threat to the air quality of Hyderabad. According to satellite data analyzed by the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Laboratory at Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), the burning practice has triggered a major environmental and soil fertility crisis.

The satellite imagery, captured during the months of April, May, and June, revealed that out of the total 17 lakh acres of burnt crop residues, around nine lakh acres consisted of paddy stubble and straw. The remaining eight lakh acres comprised maize and sorghum crop residues.

Among the state's 33 districts, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kamareddy, and Peddapalli accounted for 34 percent of the total burnt area. In contrast, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, and Mahabubnagar recorded minimal incidences of crop residue burning.

Agricultural scientists from PJTAU warned that the widespread burning severely damages soil health by destroying essential bacteria and fungal microorganisms that play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and crop growth.

According to scientists, burning one tonne of paddy straw and stubble results in the loss of approximately 5.5 kg of nitrogen, 2.3 kg of phosphorus, and 25 kg of potash. Based on the scale of burning in recent months, the state's agricultural land is estimated to have lost about 23.63 lakh kg of nitrogen, 11.90 lakh kg of phosphorus, and 1,062 lakh kg of potash.

In addition to soil degradation, the practice releases substantial air pollutants. Scientists stated that one tonne of crop residue releases about 60 kg of carbon monoxide, 1,460 kg of carbon dioxide, and 200 kg of ash particles into the atmosphere, alongside greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrogen oxides.

Prof. Aldas Janaiah, Vice Chancellor of PJTAU, warned that if crop residue burning goes unchecked, Hyderabad, which currently has a relatively safe Air Quality Index (AQI), could face severe pollution levels similar to Delhi within the next decade. He advised farmers to allow crop residues to decompose naturally in the soil to restore fertility and prevent pollution.