Delhi Air Pollution: 113 farmers issued challan in Haryana for stubble burning

Kaithal: A public health emergency has been declared in Delhi on account of air pollution. However, in Haryana, farmers were issued challans for stubble burning.

According to Mahavir Singh, deputy director Agriculture in Kaithal district, as many as 133 farmers were issued challans for stubble burning. He also warned that FIRs would be registered against farmers who do not pay the fine.

On October 31, fines were imposed on 236 farmers from Punjab by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The challans issued were in the amounts of Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000.

Punjab has recorded a 25 per cent increase in stubble burning incidents this year as compared to 2018; the Haryana state government stated that in Kaithal there had been a 60 per cent decrease in cases of stubble burning.

Latest information obtained from the real-time air quality index of the world shows Delhi at 596 AQI according to the data gathered from Anand Vihar, Delhi on November 2 in the morning. Pollution levels in other parts of the national capital are still in the “severe” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 500 at most places. This alarming rise in the air quality index has made Delhi’s air the most dangerous to breathe.

The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) declared a public health emergency in Delhi’s NCR region on November 1. The pollution control authorities issued advisories to stop people from venturing outdoors in the capital. It also advised citizens to avoid physical exertion when outdoors and to wear breathing masks. Vulnerable groups such as children and senior citizens have been strictly advised to stay indoors until November 5. All construction activity has been banned till November 5.

Hence proven that Fire Crackers are just scape goat. It is burning of crop waste in Haryana/Punjab that cause unprecedented levels of pollution in Delhi. Stop farmers, tell Govt & go to court to ban burning of agriculture waste vs banning fire cracker during Diwali #yestocracker

— Sandeep Aggarwal (@SandeepAgg) October 31, 2019