Gurbachan Singh Chhaba Calls for Permanent Solution to Stubble Burning in Punjab
Amritsar (Punjab) [India], September 27: Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Gurbachan Singh Chhaba has urged the government to find a permanent solution to the stubble-burning issue. He emphasized that farmers do not want to burn stubble but are forced to due to high costs of preparing fields for the next crop. Chhaba criticized the yearly introduction of new machines, which become obsolete quickly, leaving farmers with no lasting solution.
Earlier today, stubble burning was observed in Chabba village, Amritsar. Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), reported 93 incidents of stubble burning in Punjab from September 15 to September 25. He noted a significant reduction in such incidents over the past two years, with a 46-50% decrease.
Dr. Vig highlighted the collective efforts of farmers, industry, and various departments in addressing the issue. He mentioned that 4 million tonnes of stubble are now being used in industrial boilers, and the Punjab government has allocated Rs 25 crore for paddy-based industrial boilers. Additionally, 18 farm stubble pelletisation plants have been established, with more in the pipeline.
Punjab Minister Balbir Singh stated that the government has sufficient equipment to combat stubble burning and urged farmers to discuss their issues with the authorities. He warned about the health and ecological impacts of stubble burning, including respiratory problems and harm to wildlife.
Doubts Revealed
Gurbachan Singh Chhaba -: Gurbachan Singh Chhaba is a leader of a group called the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, which works for the rights of farmers and workers.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover parts of crops (stubble) after harvesting. This is done to clear the field quickly for the next crop.
Punjab -: Punjab is a state in northern India known for its agriculture, especially growing crops like wheat and rice.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee -: The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee is an organization that fights for the rights and betterment of farmers and workers in India.
Punjab Pollution Control Board -: The Punjab Pollution Control Board is a government body that works to control pollution and protect the environment in Punjab.
Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig -: Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig is a member of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, which monitors and reports on pollution issues in Punjab.
Balbir Singh -: Balbir Singh is a minister in the Punjab government who is involved in addressing issues related to agriculture and the environment.
Ecological impacts -: Ecological impacts refer to the effects that activities like stubble burning have on the environment, including air quality, soil health, and wildlife.
