The Sensible Arya

For over a decade, India has battled the recurring menace of stubble burning — a practice where farmers burn leftover paddy straw to prepare their fields for the next crop. Each winter, North India, especially Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, is enveloped in thick smog, bringing respiratory diseases, reduced visibility, and choking air quality. Despite countless discussions, task forces, and promises, the problem persists — raising a crucial question: why has India failed to solve what China managed within a few years? China’s Proactive and Systemic Model China’s approach to pollution and stubble burning has been strategic, science-based, and heavily supported by the state. In 2019 alone, China provided ¥4 billion in subsidies to farmers to discourage burning and set up over 1,000 biomass conversion plants . Farmers received 80% subsidies on straw-collection machines , and crucially, they were paid for supplying straw to biomass facilities. This not only prevented burning but created...