Stating that there has been a 38 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Wednesday said that 90 percent of paddy harvesting in the State has been completed, and the state government is actively bolstering its measures to combat stubble burning.
During a virtual meeting convened by the Union Cabinet Secretary, Kaushal emphasised the government's relentless efforts to curtail stubble burning and proactively minimize fire incidents, thus reducing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Providing insights into the government's endeavors, he said that Haryana cultivates 36.5 lakh acres of paddy, comprising 18.36 lakh acres of Basmati cultivation and approximately 18.2 lakh acres of non-Basmati cultivation.
Kaushal highlighted the state government's vigilance over the Air Quality Index and its stringent measures to further reduce paddy straw burning. He informed that there has been a 38% reduction in stubble burning incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a substantial 57% reduction observed in the last two years. Furthermore, Kaushal highlighted the steps taken by the state government, such as issuing instructions to hold Deputy Commissioners and Station House Officers liable for not controlling these fires. The government has also taken strict actions against individuals responsible for farm fires, issuing 1256 challans with fines totaling over Rs. 32.55 lakh and filing 72 FIRs related to farm fires, resulting in the apprehension of 44 offenders.
The chief secretary said that the state government has imposed restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (4 Wheelers) in the Gurugram and Faridabad districts with immediate effect until November 30 or until the revocation of GRAP Stage III by the Commission on Air Quality Management, whichever occurs earlier (excluding vehicles deployed in Emergency Services, Police vehicles, and Government vehicles used for Enforcement). Violators found using BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel LMVs (4 Wheelers) in these districts will face prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Regarding the fixation of hologram-based color stickers on vehicles registered in NCR districts, he said that approximately 10 lakh vehicles have been color-coded in NCR districts between November 14, 2018, and January 31, 2023.
Haryana's comprehensive strategy includes both in-situ and ex-situ management, with a focus on categorizing villages into Red, Yellow, and Green zones based on active fire incidents. The state government is dedicated to providing Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines to farmers at a subsidy, with 19141 lakh machines already sanctioned to the farming community. An area of 940 lakh acres has been registered for incentives of Rs. 1000 per acre, he added.
POLITICISING INCREASING POLLUTION IS UNETHICAL: KHATTAR
Responding to a question regarding pollution issues due to stubble burning incidents on the sidelines of a function, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the issue of pollution in Delhi NCR is not a political issue, but still, some leaders are doing politics on it. he said these leaders need to understand that politicising the issue of increasing pollution is not going to benefit anyone.
“Looking for an amicable solution to this problem is the need of the hour. If Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann need the help of the Haryana Government in pollution control and stubble management, then we are ready to provide the required cooperation", said Khattar while interacting with the media persons after inaugurating the Hot Air Balloon Safari at Pinjore in Panchkula.
He said that this is not a matter that needs to be politicised. However, some leaders are doing politics on it, and it is unfortunate. “There has been a significant reduction in the incidents of stubble burning in Haryana, whereas the incidents of stubble burning are higher in Punjab. We all need to work together to solve this problem,” said the Chief Minister.
Khattar said, “Due to pollution the situation has become such that at some places offices and schools have to be closed. Therefore, it is our responsibility to keep the environment and air pure,” he added.
He said that the Haryana Government has taken practical steps for stubble management. The government is providing machines to farmers for stubble management and is also giving subsidies. He said that there is a need to increase commercial use of stubble. The possibilities of using stubble in ethanol, energy plants, bricks etc. will have to be increased, said Khattar. The Chief Minister has also appealed to the farmers not to burn stubble and use it commercially as on one hand this will help in decreasing the pollution levels, and on the other it will also increase the income of farmers.
