Karnal (Haryana) [India], November 3 (HBTV): Authorities in Karnal district have intensified efforts to curb stubble burning, with strict action being taken against violators across Haryana.
Agriculture Deputy Director Dr Wazir Singh said on Thursday, ‘We have received about three active fire locations, and we have taken action against these three locations. FIRs have been filed, and fines have been collected.’
He added, ‘So far, a fine of INR 45,000 has been collected from seven farmers, and red entries have been issued against them, preventing them from selling their paddy in the market for the next two seasons, as per government regulations. The maximum number of cases is from the Garonda subdivision, followed by Assandh and Karnal subdivisions.’
Dr Singh said the district administration had begun preparations months in advance. ‘We started planning two to three months ago. More than 750 officers have been deployed to the field to inform farmers about crop management and preventive measures. Any farmer wishing to purchase agricultural machinery is also receiving a 50 per cent subsidy,’ he stated.
Meanwhile, the political blame game over Delhi’s worsening air quality has intensified. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-ruled Punjab government of being primarily responsible for Delhi and NCR’s air pollution due to widespread stubble burning.
‘Unless Arvind Kejriwal-ruled Punjab stops burning stubble, Delhi and NCR will continue to choke. Stop blaming Deepawali for the sins of the Aam Aadmi Party. It’s their smoke, not the festival’s lamps or firecrackers, that darkens Delhi’s skies. Their dark shadow still looms large over the Capital,’ Malviya posted on X.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also blamed the AAP-led Punjab government, alleging that farmers were being ‘forced’ to burn crop residue despite the availability of central incentives.
‘In Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party is in power. Farmers don’t want to burn stubble. They even get paid for it now so that they don’t burn it. But they’re being forced to burn it. It’s printed in today’s newspaper. There’s a video of an AAP worker saying, “We are being forced to burn it.” Who’s forcing them? Not us. BJP can’t force anyone in Punjab,’ Sirsa told ANI.
Responding to the allegations, Punjab AAP President Aman Arora said the central government was attempting to defame farmers in Punjab.
‘The way they are blaming the farmers for the pollution shows how much BJP and the central government hate Punjab and its farmers. Data by PUSA states that on 21 October 2021, 597 farm fires were reported, 393 in 2022, 146 in 2023, 65 in 2024 and 62 this year on 21 October. We have deployed nearly 1.5 lakh agri-residue machines, and the central government must now incentivise farmers from all states to reduce stubble burning incidents,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at ‘very poor’ levels, averaging 305 for October 23, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per CPCB guidelines, an AQI between 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.
(ANI)