Punjab’s Fight Against Stubble Burning
Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig and Minister Balbir Singh Lead the Way
New Delhi, India – Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), announced that from September 15 to September 25, 93 incidents of stubble burning were reported in Punjab. He highlighted a significant reduction in such incidents over the past two years, with 36,000 cases last year compared to over 70,000 the year before.
Dr. Vig emphasized the collective efforts of farmers, industry, the energy department, the agriculture department, and the public in reducing stubble burning. He noted that 4 million tonnes of stubble are now being used in industrial boilers, and the Punjab government has allocated Rs 25 crore to support paddy-based industrial boilers. Additionally, 4 compressed biogas units have been established, with more planned, and farm stubble pellets are being used as fuel in thermal power plants and brick kilns.
Punjab Minister Balbir Singh urged farmers to seek help if they face issues with stubble burning. He warned about the health risks, including coughing, chronic bronchitis, and eye irritation, and the ecological impact, such as harm to birds and animals. Singh assured that the state has enough equipment and support from NGOs to combat stubble burning.
On September 23, Dr. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a High-Level Task Force meeting to address air quality issues in Delhi-NCR. The meeting focused on pollution sources, including stubble burning, and emphasized the importance of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Rajesh Verma, Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), detailed plans for managing paddy straw in Punjab and Haryana, with both states committed to eliminating stubble burning this year.
Doubts Revealed
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover parts of crops (like straw) after harvesting. This can cause a lot of smoke and pollution.
Punjab Pollution Control Board -: This is a government organization in Punjab that works to keep the environment clean and reduce pollution.
Industrial Boilers -: These are big machines used in factories to produce heat or steam by burning fuel. They can use stubble as fuel instead of burning it in fields.
Biogas Units -: These are systems that turn organic waste, like stubble, into biogas, which can be used for cooking or generating electricity.
Ecological Risks -: These are dangers to the environment, like harming plants, animals, and air quality.
High-Level Task Force -: This is a group of important people who come together to solve big problems, like air pollution.
Dr. PK Mishra -: He is a senior official in the Indian government who helps make important decisions about the environment and other issues.
Delhi-NCR -: This stands for Delhi and the National Capital Region, which includes Delhi and nearby areas. It’s a very busy and populated place in India.
Paddy Straw -: This is the leftover part of rice plants after the rice grains have been harvested. It is often burned by farmers, causing pollution.
