Скачать или смотреть Stubble Burning Resurges in Punjab As Delhi Chokes with 1600+ Fires

The hazardous practice of stubble burning has made an intense comeback in Punjab, with over 1600 farm fires raging across the state daily. This corresponds with the severe deterioration in Delhi's air quality, as toxic smoke from Punjab's fields blows eastward.

Interestingly, stubble burning incidents had dropped to barely 6 just days earlier when the Supreme Court of India heard a case regarding the air pollution crisis in Delhi. The apex court had pulled up the central and state governments for their failure to curb stubble burning. But with the hearings concluded, farmers have resumed torching crop residue openly.

Punjab alone recorded 1664 active farm fires on November 11th despite a blanket ban on the practice. Cumulatively, the state has logged over 50,000 stubble burning events this season alone. Rising farm fires combined with colder temperatures have led to Delhi's PM 2.5 levels shooting up to 500+ this week - over 30 times the safe limit.

Experts slam the apathy of Punjab's administration in allowing rampant stubble burning to continue unabated. They highlight that the state received over Rs. 200 crores from the center this year to promote crop residue management solutions. Yet, the cash incentive for farmers to avoid burning remains unpaid in many districts.

Activists also allege that the AAP government's populist measures in Punjab have emboldened farmers to violate the ban openly. The state's anti-stubble burning law carries a meager Rs. 2000 fine with limited on-ground enforcement. As Delhi gasps for breath, SAFAR has forecast that farm fires' share in Delhi's PM2.5 will jump to 40% in the coming days.

The recurring crisis has sparked public ire over the lack of political will to curb stubble burning despite the grave health consequences. There are growing demands for accountability from the AAP regime in Delhi and Punjab on its failure to rectify the issue. The central government is also under fire for dragging its feet on promoting crop residue management solutions.

With air pollution eroding lung health and causing premature deaths, urgent action is needed to break the annual smog cycle. Read more: https://www.opindia.com/2023/11/supre...

Share your thoughts on stubble burning resurging in Punjab. How can this practice be sustainably eliminated?