New Delhi, (Asian independent) As stubble burning continues in the neighbouring states, the air pollution level in the national capital has started rising above the danger mark. With stubble burning going on in Punjab, Haryana and elsewhere, the Delhi government has appealed to the Centre and all state governments to take proactive measures to tackle this menace.
The Delhi government explained that the pollution caused by smoke produced from stubble burning is a major problem especially in north India and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government alone cannot solve it.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, “The smoke from stubble burning is spreading fast in Delhi. The Delhi government is making all efforts to reduce the air pollution in Delhi. The green area of Delhi has been increased and a new policy formulated for plying electric vehicles. Use of public transport is being encouraged and a smoke tower will be installed.”
According to the Delhi government effective measures have been taken to reduce pollution in Delhi. The government believes that the steps taken to reduce pollution in Delhi are gradually yielding the desired results. The Kejriwal government wants other state governments to take concrete steps to eradicate pollution.
“The Delhi government is continuously taking strict action throughout the year to reduce pollution. However, pollution caused from stubble burning is not Delhi’s fault. It is not a major problem for Delhi only but the whole of north India suffers the consequences,” Sisodia added.
Sisodia also appealed to the Central government to take action in this regard. The Delhi Education Minister said, “During the ongoing corona pandemic, the pollution caused by stubble burning has posed a serious threat. The pollution not only affects the air quality in Delhi but is equally harmful for the families of farmers and labourers living in any village of Punjab where the stubble is burnt. I request the Central and the state government to pay necessary attention to air pollution.”
The Delhi government also raised questions over the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) constituted to control air pollution. Sisodia questioned the role of EPCA in controlling the rising pollution in Delhi and north India. He said, “Has EPCA, too, failed to control pollution. Right now it seems the committee has failed. During the winters the rise in spread of coronavirus will further degrade the air quality as pollution increases. EPCA should pressure governments to prevent air pollution from deteriorating further.”
