Mann defends Punjab against Delhi's pollution blame, asks this question
What's the story
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has rejected allegations that stubble burning in the state is responsible for Delhi's air pollution. He questioned why similar concerns weren't raised about Haryana, another state where paddy is cultivated and stubble burning occurs. "Why don't they say anything about Haryana? Stubble burning is happening there too," he asked.
Allegations timing
Mann questions Delhi minister's allegations about smoke reaching Delhi
Mann also questioned the timing of Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa's allegations about smoke from Punjab reaching Delhi before the paddy harvesting season began.
He said, "The paddy harvesting season in Punjab had not even begun when Manjinder Sirsa made a statement claiming that smoke had already reached Delhi."
"Smoke from Punjab will reach Delhi only if the wind blows from north to west at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour," the Punjab CM said.
Pollution sources
Punjab has reported over 5,500 farm fire incidents
Official data shows that Punjab has reported a total of 5,517 farm fire incidents till Wednesday. Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, and Sangrur districts have reported the most cases.
Despite government advisories against crop residue burning, many farmers continue to ignore them.
In response to these incidents, fines exceeding ₹85 lakh have been imposed as environmental compensation in 1,695 cases so far.
Centre criticism
Mann slams BJP-led central government for defaming Punjab
Mann also slammed the BJP-led central government for defaming Punjab over stubble burning.
He said BJP leaders blamed Punjab even before paddy harvesting began.
The CM pointed out that while Haryana is often cited as an example on Minimum Support Price (MSP), its paddy procurement performance is not up to par with Punjab's achievements.
Pollution solution
Mann urges Centre to convene meeting on stubble burning issue
Mann suggested that the Centre should convene a meeting with concerned states to find a lasting solution to the stubble burning issue in North India.
He said, "Now, you will take 200 lakh metric ton from us, there will be stubble. So, why does the Centre not find a solution?"
The CM also spoke about his upcoming visit to Lahore for the World Punjabi Conference and said political clearance from the Indian government is pending.