English
English
English
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed BJP leaders for blaming Punjab farmers for Delhi’s air pollution, pointing out that with stubble burning drastically reduced, the capital’s hazardous air quality cannot be linked to Punjab, urging immediate action from Delhi and Central governments.
Punjab stubble burning reduced by 70 to 80%, says Mann.
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized BJP leaders for continuing to hold Punjab farmers responsible for Delhi’s poor air quality. Speaking on Monday, Mann highlighted that stubble burning, which was once cited as the main reason for Delhi’s pollution, has significantly decreased this year, yet the capital is experiencing a severe pollution crisis.
Mann emphasized that thanks to the efforts of Punjab farmers, NGOs, and government initiatives, stubble burning in the state has fallen by 70 to 80 percent. He noted that the Central Government and the Union Agriculture Minister have recognized these achievements. Despite this progress, Delhi’s air quality remains dangerously poor, casting doubt on claims linking Punjab’s agricultural practices to the capital’s pollution.
The Chief Minister drew attention to the stark contrast in Air Quality Index readings. While major Punjab cities recorded AQI levels between 70 and 130, Delhi’s AQI soared to between 450 and 500. Mann pointed out that with no smoke coming from Punjab, the current crisis proves that previous claims about stubble burning being a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution were exaggerated or politically motivated.
Greater Noida tops India’s pollution list; THESE two cities in ‘severe’ category
Mann criticized BJP leaders for repeatedly blaming Punjab as soon as the paddy harvest concludes. He reminded viewers that the same narrative was promoted despite delays in harvesting caused by severe floods in Punjab this year. According to Mann, Delhi ministers had already begun pointing fingers at Punjab even before the wheat crop was sown and the stubble burning season had ended.
The Chief Minister urged the Central and Delhi governments to acknowledge the role of Punjab farmers in controlling stubble burning. He called for appreciation rather than defamation, stating that farmers are the country’s ‘anndatas’, providing food security for the nation. Mann insisted that instead of politicizing the issue, authorities in Delhi and at the Centre should focus on tackling the city’s worsening air quality.
No fuel for vehicles in Delhi without valid PUC? New rules applicable from Thursday
Mann highlighted the urgent situation in Delhi, where poor air quality has disrupted daily life, including flight cancellations and health risks for residents. He emphasized that citizens cannot even venture outdoors for a walk due to the toxic air. The Chief Minister stressed that while Punjab has made significant progress, the responsibility to address Delhi’s pollution lies with the Delhi government and the Centre, not Punjab farmers.
Mann’s message was clear: Punjab should not be dragged into political disputes over Delhi’s pollution. He asserted that the BJP’s past claims of stubble burning being the primary cause were misleading. With current data showing minimal farm fires in Punjab, Mann urged the government to focus on local sources of pollution in Delhi and implement effective measures to protect public health.
