Punjab Stubble Burning Cases Down to One-Third Since 2022: AAP MLA Ajay Gupta
AAP MLA Ajay Gupta claims stubble-burning incidents in Punjab have plummeted to nearly one-third of previous levels since 2022.
In a significant development regarding environmental management in the state, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Ajay Gupta has announced that stubble-burning incidents in Punjab have seen a massive decline. According to Gupta, the number of cases has plummeted to nearly one-third of the levels recorded prior to the current government taking office in 2022).
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Success
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Gupta attributed this reduction to a comprehensive strategy implemented by the state government. He emphasized that the government has moved away from purely punitive measures, instead focusing on a holistic approach that combines education with practical support.
The strategy involves several key pillars:
- Awareness Campaigns: Extensive efforts to educate the farming community on the hazards of burning.
- Farmer Education: Teaching sustainable methods for managing crop residue.
- Subsidised Machinery: Providing affordable access to advanced stubble management technology.
Gupta noted that a coordinated effort is currently underway, involving the district administration, the Punjab Pollution Control Board, the Agriculture Department, and various cooperative societies to ensure these measures are effective on the ground.
Turning Waste into Wealth
One of the core components of the government's plan is to transform agricultural waste into a resource. The state is actively encouraging farmers to convert crop residue into bales and pellets. These byproducts serve as a valuable fuel source for various industries, including sugar mills and brick kilns.
Furthermore, the government is promoting in-situ stubble management machinery. This technology allows farmers to incorporate crop residue directly back into the soil rather than burning it. This method provides dual benefits: it prevents air pollution and enhances soil fertility by retaining essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which benefit the subsequent crop cycle.
Prioritizing Support Over Penalties
While acknowledging that penalties are available under existing rules and Supreme Court guidelines for those who continue to burn stubble, Gupta stressed that the government's primary objective is not to punish the farming community. "We do not want to penalise our farmer brothers, who are the food providers of the country. Our priority is to educate and facilitate them," Gupta stated.
Heightened Monitoring by CAQM
As the paddy harvesting season reaches a critical phase, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has intensified its monitoring. To prevent further incidents, Flying Squads have been deployed across 18 districts in Punjab and 16 districts in Haryana.
This coordinated field-level monitoring mechanism aims to ensure that state governments, pollution control boards, and district administrations work in unison to prevent stubble burning and protect air quality across the region.