Combating Climate Change in Delhi: The Essential Role of Corporate Social Responsibility

Introduction

Delhi grapples with severe air pollution crisis, with air quality consistently ranking among the worst in the world, according to IQ Air (BBC, 2024). It is estimated that air pollution lead to over 2.1 million deaths in India in 2021, with residents of Delhi experiencing a 15% higher risk of respiratory ailments (The Economic Times, 2024) (ANI, 2024). The rising air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) over recent years, particularly during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, is largely due to a mix of local emissions from transportation, industrial activities, and construction, alongside seasonal stubble burning in nearby states. In India, agricultural fires are commonly used for managing crop residues, particularly after the monsoon season(October–November) when stubble burning occurs in preparation for the next planting cycle. The surge in rice production, especially in Punjab and Haryana, has intensified the issue, generating over 27 million tonnes of rice straw annually, contributing to environmental challenges (NIH, 2023). The pollution is exacerbated by the burning of crop residue in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana. Each year, millions of tons of stubble are set ablaze, contributing significantly to the city’s deteriorating air quality. The burning season notably spikes PM2.5 levels, which can reach 500 µg/m³, far exceeding the safe limit of 60 µg/m³ (CREA, 2022).

The Stubble Burning Dilemma

The practice of burning crop residue, or parali, releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide and harmful particulate matter (PM2.5) (TERI, 2021). The primary reasons behind this practice include a labor shortage during critical field operations, the very short time frame for preparing the field for the next crop, the lack of processing facilities, and the widespread use of combine harvesters for paddy. Additionally, economic pressures on farmers to maximize productivity and the lack of affordable alternatives for managing crop waste further exacerbate the situation (Dutta et al., 2022). These factors lead to a reliance on stubble burning, which not only exacerbates air quality issues in Delhi but also poses significant health risks to the population. It’s estimated that Punjab alone generates around 46 million tons of cereal crop residue annually, with approximately 21 million tons incinerated each year. In Haryana, about 9million tons are burned from a total of 25.73 million tons generated (NIH, 2023).This seasonal burning not only cloaks Delhi in toxic smog during winter but also leads to alarming health risks. The average PM2.5 concentration often exceeds 120 µg/m³, with peak levels soaring past 900 µg/m³ around festive periods (Chawala et al., 2020).

The Power of Corporate Social Responsibility

In2021-22, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India allocated are markable ₹2,392 crores toward environmental sustainability, highlighting a growing trend in corporate commitment to ecological stewardship. Notably, the CSR expenditure in Punjab reached ₹181.2 crores, while Haryana contributed₹667.2 crores and Delhi reached ₹1178 crores during the same period(DevInsights, 2024). This increasing investment underscores the vital role corporations can play in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in the fight against pollution. To further this effort, CSR initiatives can significantly contribute to mitigating the crisis through various strategies:

1.Investing in Alternative Technologies: Corporations can support eco-friendly technologies to manage crop residue. For instance, biomass gasifiers can convert agricultural waste into clean energy, as demonstrated by Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd., which has shown substantial emission reductions (PRESPL, 2024).

2.Training and Education: Workshops that educate farmers about sustainable practices can drastically reduce crop burning (MANAGE & BIMTECH, 2022). Programs that educate farmers about alternatives to burning, such as mulching, composting, and crop rotation, can lead to more sustainable soil management and enhance overall productivity. For instance, implementing these practices can potentially reduce crop burning by up to 50%, improving air quality and increasing soil health(MANAGE & BIMTECH, 2022).

3. Financial Incentives: Offering grants for machinery that helps integrate crop residue back into the soil can encourage farmers to abandon burning. A pilot program named Crop Residue Management Loan Scheme in Punjab could reveal a reduction in crop burning among farmers receiving 50-80% subsidies for crop residue management equipments (ANI,2024).

4.NGO Collaborations: Partnering with NGOs can significantly enhance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, especially in agriculture. NGOs possess deep connections and trust within local farming communities, allowing companies to implement sustainable practices more effectively. They offer valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by these communities, enabling tailored approaches. Additionally, NGOs often have access to funding, training programs, and resources that can complement corporate initiatives (MDPI, 2022).

5. Clean Energy Investments: Supporting renewable energy initiatives can reduce reliance on fossil fuels in agriculture. Investments in green technologies and solar-powered equipment not only aid farmers but also diminish overall emissions, ultimately enhancing corporate reputations and reducing carbon footprints (NITI Aayog,(n.d.).) (World Economic Forum, 2021).

Conclusion

The air pollution crisis in Delhi calls for a collaborative and comprehensive approach, with CSR at the forefront. By investing in sustainable agricultural practices and aiding farmers in shifting away from harmful stubble burning, corporations can make a significant difference in air quality and public health (World Economic Forum, 2021). As air quality continues to decline, it’s crucial for businesses to acknowledge their role and responsibility in this urgent fight. Through partnerships, innovative solutions, and community engagement, we can pave the way toward a cleaner and healthier Delhi for all its residents (Wardet al., 2022) (World Economic Forum, 2024).

Reference

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