Rising Issue in the Hills
Stubble Burning Threatens Kodaikanal’s Fragile Ecosystem: Stubble burning in the Kodaikanal and Palani hills has emerged as a serious environmental concern. Farmers in these regions often resort to burning leftover crop residue during November and December after the harvest season. The practice, though quick and inexpensive, poses significant ecological risks to the region’s delicate hill ecosystem.
Static GK fact: Kodaikanal is part of the Palani Hills range, located within the Western Ghats, one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world.
Agricultural Challenges Behind the Practice
The region’s terrace farming system makes it difficult for farmers to remove crop residue manually or mechanically. A shortage of manpower in hill villages further complicates the process. Burning stubble becomes the easiest way to clear fields and prepare land for the next sowing cycle. However, this convenience comes at the cost of soil health and air quality.
Static GK Tip: Terrace farming is a common agricultural method in hilly terrains like Kodaikanal to prevent soil erosion and manage water runoff.
Environmental Consequences
Experts and environmental activists have raised alarm over the impact of stubble burning. The intense heat from fires destroys earthworms and beneficial soil microbes, leading to long-term soil degradation. The smoke released contains harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to air pollution and global warming.
Static GK fact: Nitrous oxide is nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Risk of Forest Fires
Authorities have also warned that flying embers from burning fields can easily trigger forest fires, especially during dry winter months. These fires not only destroy vegetation but also threaten wildlife in the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining forest belts. Once ignited, such fires are difficult to control due to the uneven terrain and dense forest cover.
Static GK Tip: The Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, declared in 2021, spans parts of Dindigul and Theni districts and supports several endemic species of the Western Ghats.
Steps Towards Sustainable Alternatives
Local agricultural officers are encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly residue management techniques. Composting, mulching, and vermicomposting can convert stubble into valuable organic fertilizer. Incentives and awareness campaigns are being introduced under Tamil Nadu’s Department of Agriculture to discourage open burning.
Static GK fact: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have repeatedly emphasized that open field burning violates environmental protection norms in India.
Community Involvement and Awareness
Experts suggest that lasting change can occur only when farmers, local communities, and forest officials work together. Awareness drives, subsidies for composting equipment, and enforcement of anti-burning laws are essential for safeguarding Kodaikanal’s fragile ecology.
Static GK Tip: The Western Ghats contribute to nearly 40% of India’s freshwater resources, making conservation in regions like Kodaikanal crucial.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Stubble Burning Threatens Kodaikanal’s Fragile Ecosystem:
| Topic | Detail |
| Region affected | Kodaikanal and Palani hills, Tamil Nadu |
| Burning season | November–December |
| Main reason | Crop residue clearance after harvest |
| Key environmental risk | Soil fertility loss and forest fires |
| Type of farming | Terrace farming |
| Major gases released | Carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide |
| Key wildlife zone affected | Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Responsible departments | Tamil Nadu Department of Agriculture, Forest Department |
| National regulation body | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) |
| Conservation relevance | Part of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot |
