Published 15:59 IST, November 2nd 2019
Punjab CM writes a letter to PM Modi over Delhi's air pollution issue
Punjab CM Capt Amrinder Singh wrote a letter to the Prime Minister where he mentioned his state's role in the stubble burning and how it isn't the only reason
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the rising pollution levels across the country. He said that he is not writing the letter to brush off responsibility but point out that the Centre is a part of the issue.
It's not only stubble burning
Singh said, "No Indian, and definitely no person in Punjab, is oblivious to the misery of our brethren in the national capital, whatever many around the country might have been led to believe. The harsh truth is that while all of us are busy conveniently passing the buck to one another, Delhi's people are reeling under excruciating misery. He spoke about how every year, during this time of the year, there is a 'cacophony' of blame targeted at Punjab, for the prevailing situation in Delhi." He said that yes, stubble burning does take place in Punjab and Haryana, and because of the 'wrong direction' of the winds, the citizens of Delhi have to suffer from various diseases and breathing problems. However, he said that data collected by various independent agencies showed that various other factors are more significant contributors to the cause, such as 'large scale industrial pollution', 'traffic overload', 'excess construction pollution'. However, he also added that does not wipe off the guilt and does not relieve them.
Captain Singh also added that 'the sad part of the story is that the situation continues to aggravate while we pay hardball over the people's pain and grief". He added that the politicians have failed to rise above the political considerations and to search for a permanent solution. Later he added that the Punjab government has been trying all possible measures in order to stop stubble burning, including imposing heavy fines, etc. The CM concluded his letter by saying that a consensus is needed, above political affiliations and regional considerations. He then passed the baton to the Prime Minister by saying that he expected him to start this process.
Public Health Emergency
The rising pollution in the national capital is a story that repeats every year with politicians blaming each other over the rising pollution. The Environment Pollution (Prevention) and Control Authority (EPCA), on Friday, issued an immediate ban over the construction activities and declared the situation a 'public emergency'. In a letter to the chief secretaries of Delhi and the neighbouring states, he said, "Air quality in Delhi and NCR has deteriorated further as of last night and is now at the severe + level. We have to take this as a public health emergency as air pollution is now hazardous and will have adverse health impacts on all, but particularly our children”.
Updated 17:55 IST, November 2nd 2019