Punjab CM Challenges BJP: Delhi's Severe Pollution Persists Despite Absence of Stubble Burning

Mann stated that currently, the Air Quality Index in major Punjab cities ranges between 70 and 130.

Chandigarh:

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the BJP on Monday, highlighting how its leaders frequently "defame" Punjab farmers regarding stubble burning and blame them for Delhi's air pollution. He questioned why Delhi continues to experience a severe pollution crisis despite the absence of farm fires now.

Mann pointed out that whenever paddy harvesting occurs, BJP leaders are quick to blame Punjab and its farmers for Delhi's deteriorating air quality.

He mentioned that BJP leaders consistently claimed stubble burning by Punjab farmers was the primary cause of Delhi's pollution problems.

Mann emphasized that currently, the Air Quality Index in major cities across Punjab ranges between 70 and 130.

"At present, Delhi's AQI measures between 450 and 500, with no smoke originating from Punjab. Yet Delhi's situation remains critical. They should finally acknowledge that Punjab plays no role in Delhi's poor air quality," Mann stated in a video message.

Mann's comments coincided with Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa's public apology regarding the air pollution crisis affecting the national capital and its impact on children's health.

However, Sirsa attributed the situation to policies implemented by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi.

Last month, the BJP dismissed the Punjab CM's earlier assertion that stubble burning in Punjab does not contribute to Delhi's high pollution levels, calling his claim "ridiculous".

Rejecting Mann's statement, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva had insisted last month that stubble burning definitely represents a "major" factor in Delhi's air pollution.

In his video message, Mann also mentioned that severe flooding in Punjab this year delayed paddy harvesting, "yet many Delhi ministers had already started blaming Punjab".

"I want to commend Punjab farmers and NGOs. The Punjab government's efforts have been effective in controlling stubble burning this season. Stubble burning incidents in Punjab have decreased by 70-80 percent, a fact acknowledged by both the Central Government and the Union Agriculture Minister," Mann stated.

The CM added that following the paddy harvest, wheat crops have now been sown, and stubble burning incidents have ceased completely.

He noted that BJP leaders frequently claimed smoke from Punjab's stubble burning travels to Delhi.

"Currently, there is no stubble burning occurring, yet Delhi continues experiencing very poor air quality. This confirms that Punjab's agricultural practices have never contributed to Delhi's air quality issues. The BJP merely made accusations to tarnish Punjab's reputation. The Central government should now recognize and appreciate Punjab's farmers," he said.

"Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI remains between 450 and 500, flights are being canceled, and breathing has become difficult," Mann observed.

He called on both the BJP government in Delhi and the BJP-led Central government to address Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis, noting that residents cannot safely go outdoors even for walks due to the hazardous air conditions.

Mann urged the BJP to stop involving Punjab in this political conflict; instead, he suggested acknowledging Punjab's farmers' efforts while focusing on implementing solutions for Delhi's severe air pollution.

Mann concluded by emphasizing that Punjab's farmers are 'anndatas' (food providers) who fulfill the country's nutritional needs and should not be unjustly defamed.