In a statement to the Rajya Sabha, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav acknowledged that while Haryana and several other states have made notable progress in curbing stubble burning incidents, Punjab has not followed suit.
During the Question Hour session, Yadav expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is unfortunate that the maximum incidents of stubble burning have taken place in Sangrur district in Punjab, which is the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.”
The minister highlighted that the central government has allocated special grants to state governments to discourage farmers from burning stubble, providing machinery and other measures. He emphasized that the progress observed in Haryana and other states has not been replicated in Punjab. Yadav suggested that if the measures provided by the Centre were effectively implemented, Punjab could have witnessed similar progress in controlling stubble burning. Yadav informed the House that the Centre has released a fund of Rs 2,440 crore specifically for addressing stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, he mentioned that Rs 19,711 crore has been earmarked for tackling air pollution across the country.Responding to questions about reviewing the air pollution law of 1981 and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in 2009, Yadav highlighted that the Centre has identified 131 cities for pollution reduction efforts, with specific standards set for each. He noted satisfactory improvement in air quality in these cities, and municipalities exhibiting commendable efforts have been acknowledged and awarded.Addressing a question about the mandatory supply of glass or recyclable bottles, Yadav pointed out that the Centre has already banned single-use plastic. He further mentioned seeking cooperation from state authorities to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.
