CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi: Political allegations and counter-allegations between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party have intensified over rising air pollution in Delhi. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has accused the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab of failing to stop incidents of stubble burning. He claimed that stubble burning in Punjab’s fields is affecting Delhi’s air. Sirsa also targeted Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal over the issue.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Sirsa alleged that effective action was not being taken against stubble burning incidents in Punjab. He claimed that more than 1,000 incidents had come to light in the state and also raised questions over the role of police and government employees in some cases. He also showed videos of alleged stubble burning. Sirsa questioned administrative decisions linked to pollution control in Punjab as well.
On the other hand, a Punjab government minister described the allegations as an attempt at political defamation. He said it was not appropriate to hold Punjab responsible for Delhi’s pollution. He said the people of Punjab are as concerned about the health of their children and families as the people of Delhi are. The state government is working to reduce pollution and provide farmers with alternatives for stubble management, he said.
Amid the controversy, available data shows that 219 stubble burning incidents were recorded across seven states on November 2, of which 98 were in Punjab. From September 15 to November 2, a total of 3,535 incidents were recorded in these states, with Punjab accounting for 1,612. These figures reflect stubble burning incidents, but their actual contribution to Delhi’s overall pollution depends on several factors, including weather and wind direction.
The need for coordination between the two governments and effective stubble management measures to improve Delhi’s air is once again under discussion.
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