Yogi Adityanath: 'Don't burn stubble, instead use it for composting'

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath at the inauguration of a sugar-mill project in Pipraich, Uttar Pradesh on November 17, brought up the subject of toxic air pollution that has been causing havoc in the states of UP, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Adityanath in his address at the inauguration urged the crowd to refrain from stubble burning and making compost of the sugarcane crops to reuse it.

"In the last 15 days, the topic of pollution is in the news. People are dying and we are being accused of burning stubble. Please do not burn stubble. Instead of burning, we will make compost of sugarcane crops and reuse it," said Adityanath.

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Issued strict instructions

Keeping in mind the menace of air pollution, Adityanath on Saturday, November 16, issued strict instructions on stubble burning, directing officials to ensure that the burning of crops did not take place in the state. Principal Secretary SP Goel, as per the Chief Minister’s Office has spoken to all commissioners in Uttar Pradesh asking them to curb instances of stubble burning. The UP CMO statement declared that this practice denies animals their rightful share of fodder as well as kills the friendly bacteria present in the soil. Furthermore, the statement read that stubble burning permanently damages the environment. 

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The UP CMO statement notes, "Due to stubble burning, the animals do not get their rightful share of fodder and the practice also kills the friendly bacteria and fungi present in abundance in the soil. Thus, the practice permanently damages the environment and fertility of the soil."

CM Adityanath has observed that the concerned departments must spread awareness among the farmers regarding this issue. He reckoned that the farmers should be encouraged to convert the stubble into organic fertilizer.

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Earlier in the month, the Supreme Court also said the authorities, right from the level of chief secretary to gram panchayat level, have to ensure that no stubble burning takes place henceforth and in case of violation, they would be hauled up by the court.

"Law of tort (which deals with the remedy for civil wrong) will apply to these states. Gram Panchayats will also be held liable," the bench said while terming the prevailing situation as grim".

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