Farm fire share in Delhi's pollution 40%, but Opposition in denial: Gopal Rai

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday targeted BJP and Congress over issue of stubble burning, saying share of farm fires in Delhi's pollution has soared to 40 percent but opposition parties were in denial.

According to Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, SAFAR, share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution rose to 40 percent on Sunday, maximum so far this season.

It was 32 percent on Saturday, 19 percent on Friday and 36 percent on Thursday, second-highest this season so far.

"We have been saying it again and again that stubble burning is a major reason behind severe levels of pollution in  Delhi around Diwali, but BJP and Congress say share of farm fires in Delhi's pollution was just 4 to 6 percent, whereas statistics show it has increased to 40 percent," Rai told reporters.

He said Delhi government has been doing everything possible to curb biomass burning, and vehicular and dust pollution, "but what should we do about stubble burning?"    Last year, stubble contribution to Delhi's pollution h peaked to 44 percent on vember 1, according to SAFAR data.

NASA's satellite imry showed a large, dense cluster of fire dots covering Punjab and parts of Haryana and Uttar Presh.  Rai said strict action on ground was more important than creating new commissions.

Centre introduced a new law recently through an ordinance that put in place a powerful Commission for Air Quality Manment in National Capital Region and joining Areas to curb air pollution. 

(Im: PTI)