Incident of stubble burning seen in fields of Punjab
Oct 15, 2024
Muktsar (Punjab) [India], October 15 : Incidents of stubble burning were reported in a field in Giddarbaha, Muktsar district, and Narar village near Kaithal-Karnal road in Kaithal on Tuesday evening.
A farmer, Lakhbir Singh, criticised the government's response, stating: "It has been 10 days since I harvested the paddy... The government has failed in all the decisions it has taken. Proper arrangements should be made."
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, a total of 267 and 187 paddy residue burning events were reported between September 15 and October 9, 2024, in Punjab and Haryana, respectively.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas has deployed 26 central teams to hotspot districts in Punjab and Haryana to liaise closely with district-level authorities.
A dedicated cell has been established in Chandigarh for continuous monitoring and coordination. District administrations and state governments have been instructed to remain vigilant in controlling stubble burning during the harvest season.
Stubble burning is a growing concern in Delhi, as winter weather exacerbates air pollution, leading to hazardous air quality and thick smog. The burning of crop residue in neighbouring states significantly worsens pollution, posing severe health risks to residents.
