Once again, state government has failed to control Parali burning in Punjab. The resulting pollution has turned the national capital into a gas chamber. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has written a letter to state Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the issue. LG has asked Mann to undertake urgent measures to control parali burning in Punjab.
“It is with a sense of deep anguish that, I wish to draw your attention towards the pain and suffering that the people of Delhi are experiencing for no fault of theirs, and request you to undertake urgent and substantive measures to control parali burning in Punjab, that has converted the National Capital once again into a gas chamber,” he wrote to Mann.
“It is public knowledge that Air Pollution in Delhi has reached extremely dangerous levels, hovering consistently in the ‘severe plus’ category due to smoke, 95% of which is originating from stubble burning in Punjab,” he further said.
LG Saxena said he tried to get in touch with Punjab CM over telephone. But, Mann was busy in meetings. Since the LG did not get a call back, he resorted to writing this letter.
19 per cent rise in cases :
The LG has put up figures to highlight that the stubble burning has increased.
“Contrary to expectations, incidents of parali burning have increased by a whopping 19%. The figures are for the period between October 24, 2022 to November 2, 2022, as compared to the corresponding period in 2021. Authentic data on parali burning in Punjab presents an alarming picture. The figures for 2021 and 2022, for the same period stand at 18066 and 21480, respectively. As on 02 November, 2022, alone, out of the total 3825 cases of stubble burning in six states. Punjab. Haryana, UP, MP and Rajasthan, Punjab singularly reported 3634 cases, while Delhi reported zero,” the LG mentioned the data.
Stubble burning leading to illness
“The resultant situation thereof, has led to health emergency in Delhi and the NCR. Consequently, OPD visits and hospitalizations related to pulmonary is comfort/disorders has reportedly witnessed a manifold increase. It is affecting children and the elderly disproportionately. Every common citizen is facing incessant burning of eyes, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and labored breathing amongst other respiratory discomfort. Renowned Doctors and Hospitals of Delhi are consistently flagging the situation as hazardous and dangerous. They are asking to close schools. Also, doctors are advising people to remain indoors, not to go for morning walks and refrain from outdoor physical activities. Due to severe air pollution and consequent restrictions, even the socio-economic activities are badly impacted,” Saxena highlighted the health problems.
Increase in parali burning is baffling
The LG added, “…..the cases of stubble burning particularly in your State have not only continued unabated, but increased tragically, severely affecting air quality in the National Capital among other places. It is indeed baffling that instead of addressing the grave issue at hand, certain elements are indulging in unjustifiable blame game and excuses and trying to shirk responsibilities, even in the face of a serious crisis situation.”
He concluded with a request on the behalf of Delhi and its residents to Mann to galvanize all available resources and machinery to make the farmers become willing partners in defeating this repetitive menace and help the Capital – indeed the entire NCR, breathe.”
Haryana share’s negligible to menace:
The Delhi LG in his communication also shared that he has also requested Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar to look into this matter over phone, “though his State adds negligibly to this menace. I have additionally, advised my Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to engage with you in this regard.”
LG is doing politics: Mann
Reacting to LG’s letter, the Punjab CM accused him of playing politics.
“LG Sahib, you are stopping the works of the elected government of Delhi. Stopped the “Red Light On, Car Off” campaign and are doing politics by writing to me? Politics is not right on such a serious subject,” Mann tweeted.