Bhupinder Singh Hooda Calls for MSP on Stubble Amid Pollution Concerns
In Chandigarh, Haryana, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda addressed the issue of stubble burning, suggesting a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for stubble due to its potential uses. Hooda emphasized the need for a solution for small farmers, stating, “MSP for stubble should be fixed. The question is, what will small farmers do with the stubble? Not purchasing crops from farmers is wrong. A solution must be found for this. Stubble has numerous other uses, including electricity generation. It needs to be utilised effectively.”
Environmental activist Vimlendu Jha highlighted stubble burning as a major cause of pollution in North India, noting that local pollution sources in Delhi include dust and vehicular emissions. Jha stated, “Stubble burning is one of the reasons for the rise in air pollution in North India. In addition to this, Delhi has yet to experience the winds from Punjab. The local sources of pollution here are dust and vehicular emissions. Both the state and central governments need to collaborate to find solutions.”
Jha further explained that roadside dust and public vehicles contribute significantly to Delhi’s pollution, with stubble burning being a seasonal issue. The Supreme Court has summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana to explain the lack of legal action against stubble burning. Recent data shows an increase in stubble burning in these states, raising concerns as Delhi’s winter approaches, which could worsen air quality and health risks.
Doubts Revealed
Bhupinder Singh Hooda -: Bhupinder Singh Hooda is a politician from the Indian National Congress party. He has served as the Chief Minister of Haryana, a state in India.
MSP -: MSP stands for Minimum Support Price. It is a price set by the government to purchase directly from the farmer, ensuring they get a fair price for their produce.
Stubble -: Stubble refers to the leftover stalks of crops like wheat and rice after the grains have been harvested. Farmers often burn it to clear the fields for the next crop, which causes pollution.
Pollution Concerns -: Pollution concerns refer to worries about the harmful effects of pollution on the environment and people’s health. In this context, it is about air pollution caused by stubble burning.
Vimlendu Jha -: Vimlendu Jha is an environmentalist, someone who works to protect the environment. He is known for his efforts to raise awareness about pollution and environmental issues in India.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India. It has the authority to make important legal decisions and ensure laws are followed.
Chief Secretaries -: Chief Secretaries are senior government officials in Indian states. They are responsible for overseeing the administration and implementing government policies.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to the leftover crop stalks in fields. It is a quick way to clear fields but causes significant air pollution.