Stubble burning cases hit a new high in Punjab

In wake of decreasing air quality, the issue of stubble burning continues to remain in discussion in several northeastern states. National capital is among the most affected area and the Aam Aadmi Party led-Delhi government is continuously blaming Haryana government for the acute spike in air pollution which resulted in heated arguments among the political stalwarts hailing from opposite factions. But contrary to the allegations of the Delhi government, Haryana reported a steep decrease in farm fire incidents this year as compared to the adjoining state Punjab. A research conducted by the Punjab University and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh in collaboration revealed the fact that steep decrease reported in farm fire incidents in Haryana. As many as 3,606 cases are reported in Haryana this year so far against 7,986 cases reported in 2021. The data also revealed that on an average 8,126 cases of stubble burning were reported from 2012 to 2021. Thus, 55.62 per cent decrease has been reported in cases as compared to the cases reported last year. It is worth stating that the research is conducted under the lead of Dr Suman Mor and Prof. Ravinder Khaiwal working in Punjab University and PGI, Chandigarh respectively.
Divulging aforesaid information, Dr Suman, associate professor, Environment Studies, Punjab University said that the concerned state governments should come up with a foolproof strategy.