State to reduce paddy straw burning instances by 50 percent: Janjua

Punjabenews: Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua has assured the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) that state will reduce the fire instances by 50% in comparison with 2022. He said that Bhagwant Mann led State Government is taking every step to effectively tackle air pollution.

In a meeting chaired by Dr. M.M. Kutty, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region with the senior officers and all Deputy Commissioners of the state, the plan was discussed for paddy crop residue management in respect of the coming kharif harvesting season in Punjab.

The Deputy Commissioners briefed the Chairperson about the steps taken by the state government for crop residue management in the state. Dr. M.M. Kutty was happy with the steps taken by Punjab to curb stubble burning and congratulated on 30% reduction in number of fire instances. He has directed all the DCs to prepare action plans for 2023 in advance. He appreciated concerned districts who are doing exceptional work regarding this specially Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana.

Chief Secretary Mr. Janjua highlighted the initiatives taken by the State Government for managing stubble including solving issues of ex-situ industries, promoting crop diversification and providing adequate in-situ management machines. He said that on the directions of Chief Minister, State Government is working on using paddy straw as Animal Fodder, promote cotton crop and sowing the short duration variety of paddy. He said that field officers are capable to handle this issue and are working with full zeal and enthusiasm. He further added that state government would also hold awareness campaign for farmers regarding harmful effects of paddy straw burning especially on the soil fertility.

During the meeting Member Secretary CAQM Arvind Nautiyal put forward a presentation on in-situ and ex-situ management strategies and way forward for the State.

Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman Prof. Adarsh Pal Vig briefed about steps taken by the board to counter air pollution.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Power Tejveer Singh, Secretary Environment Sumer Singh Gurjar, Member Secretary PPCB GS Majithia and all deputy commissioners.

Later, the Chief Secretary Mr. Janjua honoured Dr. Kutty and Mr. Nautiyal.