India’s Green Revolution, which began in the 1960s, is often credited with transforming the country into an agricultural powerhouse, ensuring food security for millions. However, the environmental costs of this success have become increasingly evident, especially in the nation’s capital, New Delhi. The intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water resources, alongside the widespread practice of crop-burning in states like Punjab and Haryana, has contributed to severe air and water pollution. During the winter months, the burning of rice and wheat stubble creates thick smog, choking Delhi’s air and making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. The toxic emissions, combined with particulate matter from other sources, have a devastating impact on public health, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues for millions of residents.
In addition to air pollution, the Green Revolution’s reliance on chemical fertilizers has led to groundwater contamination, with harmful nitrates leaching into rivers and aquifers. This has exacerbated waterborne diseases and posed serious health risks to local populations. The environmental damage is not limited to Delhi; it extends to surrounding regions where over-extraction of water for irrigation has caused severe groundwater depletion. Experts argue that India must shift toward sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and water-efficient irrigation techniques, to mitigate the long-term environmental harm. As the country grapples with the fallout from decades of agricultural intensification, finding a balance between food production and environmental sustainability has become an urgent challenge. More