Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that a total of 4,132 farm fires have been reported till date as compared to 12,813 during the same period last year.
Sachdeva alleged that the increased incidence of stubble burning in Punjab is contributing to pollution across North India, including Delhi.
Claiming that the AAP government is not serious about containing pollution, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Sunday for Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, the issue is a mere way to keep himself in the news.
“Why are the states shying from prosecuting people for stubble burning and allowing them to escape with nominal fines," the bench remarked.
A bench led by Justice Abhay Oka expressed displeasure over Haryana's inaction on the directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
He represented the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for nearly 28 years – starting with removal of diesel-fuelled public transport buses in the national capital.
Addressing a press conference today, Aam Aadmi Party Punjab's chief spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang said the Union Minister presented false facts related to Punjab in Parliament.
All DSPs (Deputy Superintendents of Police) and Station House Officers (SHOs) have been asked to have discussions with Sarpanches and Kisan leaders to sensitise them about the ill effects of stubble burning.
A report by the government on Tuesday said 50 per cent subsidy is being provided on single agricultural equipment. Besides, 44,363 single agricultural equipment have been distributed to farmers so far.
The National Green Tribunal on Friday pulled up various states where the air quality index dipped to 'severe', 'very poor' and 'poor' categories.
