Horticulture is one of the most prominent fields practised in Himachal Pradesh. As a result, the state has earned a positive reputation for its apple production worldwide. And that’s why the state has numerous apple orchards. An orchard is an enclosed place where fruits are grown. However, over the years, the state has witnessed a rise in the practice of burning orchard waste. It is a hazardous activity with a lot of percussion that can be disturbing to the people in the area. Let’s examine the impact of waste burning in Himachal Pradesh and explore ways to address this issue.
More About Orchard Waste Burning
Orchard waste refers to the remains of plants, weeds, and other organic matter from the orchard area. These are burned to clear the surroundings. However, the process is not sustainable for the environment, particularly in terms of both pollution and climate change. During the peak harvesting season, the amount of waste can exceed the limits. As a result, the lower belts of the state suffer.
The orchard owners prefer open burning due to lower costs, convenience, and a lack of awareness about the practice’s aftermath. Additionally, there is no definitive structure for waste management. Therefore, several issues require attention to address the problems of orchard waste burning in Himachal Pradesh.
Environmental Impact Of Orchard Waste Burning
The burning of organic matter releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. These are not suitable gases for your health or the environment. As a result, you can face a lot of health issues during a prolonged stay in the region. As for ecology, the area may experience an increase in temperature and reduced visibility due to haze. This issue is comparable to the stubble burning in the Punjab and Haryana regions of India.
At the same time, there are reports of uncontrolled burning, which leads to deforestation and loss of rare flora and fauna. In addition to the atmosphere, the residues of the waste burning are contaminants of local water bodies. This could lead to the infiltration of harmful substances into the drinking water for all biological organisms. Therefore, numerous factors are at stake due to the practice of burning waste in the orchard.
Impact on Human Health
As discussed earlier, human beings are affected by the harmful gases from waste burning. You can develop various respiratory issues while living in the region for an extended period. Not only that, but there are also harmful impacts on children and the elderly population, which increases the burden on local healthcare systems.
- Respiratory issues: asthma, bronchitis, COPD
- Increased cases of eye irritation, throat infections, and skin allergies
- Long-term exposure risks in hill areas with poor dispersion
Loss Of Biodiversity And Fertile Soil
Orchard waste burning has drastic effects on biodiversity. Many small animals and insects are caught in the fire, leading to their demise. At the same time, the fertility of the soil is also affected, as high temperatures kill the beneficial soil microbes and humus. So, the waste burning does more harm than good for both small and large organisms.
Many local bird species are hugely affected by the fires and smoke. As a result, the nesting grounds for the birds are destroyed, which ultimately depletes the region’s fauna. Even the small bees and pollinating agents are not safe with the waste burning, as a result, it reduces the flowering in the area.
Socioeconomic Impact on Farmers and Tourism
Although orchard waste burning is a convenient way to dispose of excess materials, it comes at a significant cost. It may offer short-term ease, but it can lead to long-term soil degradation, reducing yields in plants. Additionally, such practices run counter to the organic initiatives promoted by the local government.
Unpleasant For Tourists
The thousands of travellers and outsiders visiting Himachal Pradesh to experience its beauty are disappointed by the high AQIs. This practice leads to a poor public image of the state. It can also reduce tourist visits, which in turn impacts local business owners.
Government Policies and Legal Framework
Policy making and implementation go hand in hand for overcoming issues like waste burning in Himachal Pradesh. You can only create awareness for people who want new ways and solutions. However, many people, despite being aware of the issues, still cause harm to the environment. That’s where proper rules and regulations come into play—implementing strict laws and punishments is one way to address pressing issues.
- Strict laws.
- Government coordination.
- Public awareness and more.
Sustainable Alternatives and Best Practices
Several practices can address the issue of burning orchard waste. However, the first big step is to get locals on board. Then, only one can expect a long-term change and solution to the problem.
- In-field composting and mulching of pruned waste.
- Use of chippers/shredders.
- Converting branches into biofertilizers.
- Biochar production from orchard waste.
- Community-level biogas plants.
Role of Local Communities
The practitioners of orchard waste burning are often unaware of the risks. They’re following something that’s been done for many years. However, all this needs to be stopped to make the state more sustainable. And that’s why it’s the role of colleges and youth with proper knowledge to shed some light on the issues. Furthermore, only awareness is a solution to such practice, while introducing more eco-friendly alternatives.
- Youth involvement.
- Implementing penalties.
- Giving incentives.
- Waste-to-energy models
Final Thoughts On Orchard Waste Burning
Waste burning of orchards has serious consequences on the environment and people’s health. It is a growing concern for the people of Himachal Pradesh and requires significant emphasis from the authorities. Furthermore, the issue serves as an indicator that many human practices need to transition to sustainable ones. Only then can the ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh be prevented from annual degradation and ensured for the benefit of upcoming generations.
