Editorial 1: A Holistic Approach to Stubble Burning
Syllabus: GS Paper-III (Environment – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment).
Context: The editorial discusses the persistent problem of stubble burning in North India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Despite various government efforts and Supreme Court interventions, the practice continues unabated, leading to severe air pollution in the region and neighboring urban centers like Delhi. The article argues that a fragmented approach, relying solely on penalties or a single technological solution, is insufficient and calls for a holistic, multi-pronged strategy.
- Environmental: Stubble burning is a major source of air pollution, releasing a cocktail of harmful gases and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which have severe health consequences. The editorial highlights the need to address this environmental crisis by moving away from a reactive model to a proactive one.
- Agricultural: The practice is deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle of rice-wheat cultivation. Farmers often resort to burning as it is the fastest and cheapest way to clear fields for the next crop. The editorial links the problem to issues of farm productivity, input costs, and the need for alternative livelihood options.
- Socio-economic: The issue has a strong social dimension. Farmers, often burdened by debt, view stubble burning as a necessity. The article emphasizes that solutions must be socially acceptable and economically viable for the farmers to adopt them.
- Governance: The editorial points to the lack of effective governance and policy implementation. There is a need for better coordination between the Centre and state governments to ensure that policies are not just announced but also effectively executed on the ground.
- Issues: The main issue is the disconnect between policy and ground reality. Farmers face a severe time crunch between harvesting rice and sowing wheat, making stubble burning the easiest option. Subsidies for machinery like Happy Seeder are not always effective due to high running costs and limited availability. The absence of a viable alternative for stubble management remains the central challenge.
- Solutions: The editorial suggests a multi-pronged approach:
- In-situ Management: Promote the use of crop residue management machinery like the Happy Seeder. This requires a broader subsidy and a more efficient distribution network.
- Ex-situ Management: Incentivize the collection and use of stubble as a raw material for industries like biomass power plants, ethanol production, and cardboard manufacturing. This would create an economic incentive for farmers to not burn the stubble.
- Behavioral Change: Launch a massive public awareness campaign to educate farmers on the long-term health and environmental consequences of stubble burning.
- Facts: The editorial notes that despite the Supreme Court’s directives, the practice continues. This shows the limitations of legal measures without economic and social support for the farmers.
Way Forward: A sustainable solution requires a collaborative effort involving the government, private sector, and local communities. The government should provide market-based solutions where stubble can be sold as a commodity. This would transform a waste product into a valuable resource. The private sector can be encouraged to invest in biomass plants and other industries that use stubble. Finally, there is a need for a dedicated, long-term policy with clear targets and a robust monitoring mechanism.
Conclusion: Stubble burning is not just an environmental problem; it’s an economic, social, and governance challenge. A holistic approach that combines technological solutions, economic incentives, and behavioral change is the only way to effectively tackle this recurring crisis and ensure a cleaner and healthier future for North India.
Editorial 2: Troubled Transition in Nepal
Syllabus: GS Paper-II (International Relations – India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests).
Context: The editorial delves into the ongoing political turmoil and protests in Nepal, triggered by the collapse of a coalition government. The article highlights the fragility of Nepal’s political system and the challenges the interim government faces in managing public dissent and an increasingly polarized political landscape. The situation has significant implications for India, given the close bilateral ties and shared border.
- Political: The protests are a symptom of a deeper political instability in Nepal. The editorial notes that the frequent changes in government and the squabbling among political parties have disillusioned the public. The interim government’s legitimacy is in question, and it is under immense pressure to address the demands of various political and social groups.
- Socio-economic: The protests are fueled by a mix of political and economic grievances. The public is frustrated with a lack of development, corruption, and a sense of political apathy from the ruling class. The article points out that while the protests are political in nature, they reflect a deeper sense of public frustration.
- International Relations: The editorial implicitly links Nepal’s political instability to its foreign policy. Both India and China have significant stakes in Nepal’s stability. The editorial cautions the interim government against making any decisions that could be seen as illegitimate or biased towards a particular external power. It highlights India’s interest in a stable and democratic Nepal, which is crucial for its own security and regional connectivity.
- Issues: The key issue is the illegitimate demands being put forth by some protesting groups. The interim government, a caretaker body, lacks the mandate to make long-term policy decisions or agree to major constitutional amendments. This creates a difficult situation where the government is unable to address the protesters’ demands, leading to a further escalation of tensions.
- Solutions: The editorial suggests that the interim government must resist pressure to make illegitimate demands and focus on its primary duty of holding free and fair elections. The government should not get bogged down in political squabbles and must prioritize restoring law and order.
- Facts: The editorial refers to the Supreme Court of Nepal and its role in a recent constitutional crisis, suggesting that the judiciary is a crucial institution for providing a check on the political executive.
Way Forward: The way forward for Nepal lies in a renewed commitment to democratic principles and institutional integrity. The political parties must show maturity and work together to find a lasting solution that is based on the constitution, not on opportunistic politics. For India, the best approach is to continue to support Nepal’s democratic process without interfering in its internal affairs. A stable and prosperous Nepal is in India’s best interest.
Conclusion: Nepal’s political instability is a “troubled transition” that threatens its long-term stability and development. While the interim government has a difficult road ahead, its primary focus must be on holding a credible election and ensuring that the political process remains legitimate and peaceful. A strong and democratic Nepal is essential for regional security and for the well-being of its people.
