Delhi air pollution: Red alert in Punjab as stubble burning continues, farmers to lead protest against punitive actions
Delhi and the rest of North India, a red alert has been sounded in all districts of Punjab to curb rampant stubble burning. Moreover, the burning of crop residue can attract legal action against violators, a senior official told PTI. The air quality index in Delhi reached 401 on Wednesday.
The Supreme Court's sharp reaction to air pollution in Delhi, and the rest of North India, has forced the Punjab government to take strict measures against stubble burning. However, the actions have increased the challenges for Punjab farmers. Unhappy with the punitive action on stubble burning, multiple farmer unions of Punjab announced to protest on November 20 in the state, reported Indian Express.
On November 7, the apex court had asked the Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan governments to ensure crop residue burning was stopped "forthwith", saying it cannot let "people die" due to pollution. After the Supreme Court's remarks, the Punjab Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav appointed special DGP (law and order) Arpit Shukla as the nodal officer to monitor action against stubble burning. ALso Read: Beyond stubble burning: Why is dealing with other 'consistent' sources of Delhi air pollution important To spread awareness about pollution caused due to stubble burning, all the commissioners of police and senior superintendents of police have been directed to sensitise farmers, citizens, and various stakeholders about the disadvantages of burning crop residue, Arpit Shukla told PTI on Wednesday.
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