Punjab govt to deploy over 1 lakh machines to prevent stubble burning in state

Chandigarh, September 10: After the Centre turned down the proposal by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab to give cash incentives to farmers for not burning stubble, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced that over 1 lakh machines will be deployed to prevent stubble burning in the state. According to CM Bhagwant Mann, the use of such a large variety of machinery can eliminate the problem of stubble burning.  Earlier, the Punjab and Delhi governments proposed to the Center a Rs 2,500 per acre incentive for farmers not to burn paddy stubble during the next Kharif harvest. As per the proposal by AAP governments, a Rs 1,500 per acre incentive was sought by the Centre to fight farm fires, which were a major source of severe air pollution in the National Capital Region prior to the arrival of winter. The remaining Rs 1,000 per acre expenditure was to be borne by the state governments. After the Centre dismissed the Punjab and Delhi governments' proposals, the state governments have been trying to figure out an incentive that might now be as low as Rs 1,000 per acre. The Punjab government has budgeted Rs 200 crore this year to combat the issue of stubble burning. Also Read | Haryana women's panel chief, woman cop engage in heated spat during meeting -PTC News