Haryana: Over 100 cases of stubble burning despite government ban

Stubble burning in Haryana is one of the major causes of air pollution not only in the State but also in Delhi. There have been reports of over 100 cases of stubble burning in Haryana's Sirsa in the past few days. "More than 100 cases of stubble burning have come forward in the district till date. An investigation is being done regarding the same and cases are being registered," Ashok Garg said. “Regarding stubble burning, there are strict orders from National Green Tribunal, Centre and state government, awareness campaigns are also being done in villages for farmers," Garg added.

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Stubble burning continues despite a ban

The practise continues despite the efforts of the Haryana government to dissuade farmers from burning crop residue. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also urged the governments of Punjab and Haryana to provide facilities to their farmers so that they don't have to burn stubble. The Delhi government issued a circular on Wednesday, October 29, advising schools to ensure that no outdoor activities are organized amidst the alarming air pollution level in the national capital. Prior to the circular, schools in the national capital had also advised the parents to send their children to classes after wearing masks. Some of the schools have also shifted their morning assembly indoors to avoid the health hazards from the pollution.

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Delhi and the adjoining areas of the capital such as Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad are suffering extremely critical levels of air pollution which is further expected to rise in the coming days. On Wednesday evening, the level of pollution went from severe to critical as air quality index showed 606 micrograms per cubic meter.

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The share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution has risen to 35 percent, which is the season's highest, causing a hazardous haze shrouding the city. Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks while the overall air quality in the national capital was in the ‘very poor’ category, with some areas in the city experiencing severe pollution. 

(With Agency inputs)

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