"Farmers first one to get affected by stubble burning": Punjab Minister

Patiala (Punjab) [India], October 22 : Punjab Minister Balbir Singh on Tuesday addressed the issue of stubble burning and expressed his concerns for the farmers and citizens of the state who are being affected by this practice. He said that whether the smoke due to stubble burning goes to Delhi is a matter of debate, but the major concern is that it is affecting common people who breathe the same air.

"We all have to breathe the same air. Whether or not (air) pollution goes to Delhi is a matter of debate. But the farmer who is burning stubble is the first one to get affected," said Singh.
He also talked about the efforts of the Punjab government in restoring the rule of law while reacting to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann's approval to persecute Dera chief Ram Rahim Singh in a 2015 blasphemy case.

"Punjab government has restored the rule of law and the law will take its course," says Dr Balbir Singh.

The minister also talked about the need for the Union government to stand with the farmers on the issue of paddy procurement and lifting. Singh said that the issue of grain weight loss due to moisture loss is also a concern for the Centre while maintaining that the Punjab government remains committed to farmer's interests.

"It is the time when the Union government should stand with the farmers. The negligence is from the Union Govt's side. The Punjab government is committed to farmers. Punjab govt, Arhtiyas, farmers will have to work together on this. Issue of grain weight loss due to moisture loss is also concerns the Centre. The CM has flagged all the issues with the Union Agriculture Minister." Singh said.

Earlier, the Delhi government also blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for the rising air pollution in Delhi due to stubble burning. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena on Sunday said that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was worsening due to the failure to control stubble burning.