Farm fires down over 90% in Punjab, Haryana; CAQM credits strict enforcement
The agency attributed the declining numbers to stricter state-wide monitoring and enforcement measures.
The agency attributed the declining numbers to stricter state-wide monitoring and enforcement measures.
To ensure effective stubble management in Punjab and Haryana—key contributors to winter air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas—a dedicated cell has been established in SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), officials from the pollution monitoring agency said on Tuesday.
The chief minister said once this policy for stubble management will be put in place, excellent reforms will be visible in this area.
The Union Agriculture Minister said the problem of stubble burning was serious and on this issue levelling allegations and counter-allegations was not justified.
In order to control stubble burning, the state government has implemented a framework which includes in-situ crop residue management, ex-situ management, effective monitoring, enforcement and wide reach of Information Education and Communication activities, said Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Speaking during the national conference of the ministers on the environment, forest and climate change of all the states of the country on the environment at Ekta Nagar (Gujarat), Meet Hayer said Punjab is ready to contribute its share and now the Union government must do the same and announce a matching compensation amount for the farmers.
