The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report regarding the increasing air pollution and sought a detailed report on the stubble burning in the state. NHRC held a high-level review meeting via video conferencing with Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua and state government officials.
NHRC expressed its concern over the rising air pollution across the North region, significantly in Punjab as the air quality has turned ‘severe’ in many cities and has been influencing the health of people to a great extent especially to the ones with prevailing illness. The commission said that incidents of stubble burning should be strictly curtailed. It said that if the situation was not improved, a heavy penalty would be imposed on Punjab.
The commission scrutinised the cases related to the stubble management in Punjab from the Chief Secretary and also sought some data in this regard. The Chief Secretary said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the entire machinery of the state is putting efforts to reduce the incidence of stubble burning this year and farmers are being encouraged and made aware not to burn stubble.
According to the chief secretary, a meeting is being held with all Deputy Commissioners and higher officials of Punjab for stubble management so that effective measures can be taken to prevent stubble burning.