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The Punjab government intends to reduce instances of stubble burning this year by 50 per cent as compared to 2022.
Giving this assurance to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region on Tuesday, Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua said that the state government is taking every step to effectively tackle air pollution.
In a meeting chaired by CAQM chairperson MM Kutty, the plan was discussed for paddy crop residue management in respect of the coming kharif harvesting season in Punjab.
The Deputy Commissioners briefed the chairperson about the steps taken by the state government for crop residue management in the state. Kutty directed all the DCs to prepare action plans for 2023 in advance.
An official spokesperson said the CAQM chairperson was happy with the steps taken by Punjab to curb stubble burning and congratulated on 30 per cent reduction in the number of fire instances.
“He (Kutty) appreciated concerned districts who are doing exceptional work regarding this specially Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana and Malerkotla,” the spokesperson said.
Chief Secretary Janjua highlighted the initiatives taken by the state government for managing stubble including solving issues of ex-situ industries, promoting crop diversification and providing adequate in-situ management machines.
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He said the state government is working on using paddy straw as animal fodder, promoting cotton crop and sowing the short duration variety of paddy. He said field officers are capable of handling this issue and are working with full zeal and enthusiasm.
Janjua said the state government would also hold an awareness campaign for farmers regarding harmful effects of paddy straw burning especially on the soil fertility. Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman Prof Adarsh Pal Vig briefed about steps taken by the board to counter air pollution.
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