NASA satellites present grave picture of stubble burning across Punjab; cases higher than Haryana
Mohali, November 11: The menace of stubble burning continues unabated in Punjab and NASA's satellites' real time data from both Punjab and Haryana for November 10, which has been released on its website, is the testimony to the fact. NASA satellites present grave picture of stubble burning incidents across Punjab. It shows stubble burning situation in both states of Punjab and Haryana on November 10 (24 hours ago).
The NASA real time data clearly show that stubble burning incidents are many times more in Punjab than in Haryana. At least three fourth area of Punjab has been found to be affected.
Notably, stubble burning by farmers of two neighbouring states is among major reasons for poor air quality in the national capital.
Earlier too in the first of November, NASA satellites presented a grave picture of stubble burning in Punjab. The US space agency's satellites mapped the fire incidents in Punjab, which clearly pointed towards the fact that stubble burning is contributing to air pollution in North India.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday held a high-level review meeting via video conference with Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua and state government officials regarding the increasing air pollution and sought a detailed report on the stubble burning in the state.
According to an official release, the NHRC expressed strong concern over stubble burning cases in North India, especially in Punjab, as the air quality has turned 'severe' in many cities and has been affecting the health of the people as well as putting seriously impacting on those with existing illnesses. The commission said incidents of stubble burning should be strictly curtailed. It said if the situation was not improved, a heavy penalty would be imposed on Punjab.
On this occasion, the commission reviewed the cases related to stubble management in Punjab from the Chief Secretary and also sought some data in this regard.
The Chief Secretary said under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the entire machinery of the state was putting efforts to reduce the incidence of stubble burning this year and farmers were being encouraged and made aware not to burn stubble.
The Chief Secretary said every week a meeting was being held with all Deputy Commissioners and higher officials of Punjab for stubble management so that effective measures could be taken to prevent stubble burning.
The Chief Secretary said more focus had been given by the authorities on those hot spots in the villages where the cases of farm fires were detected in the previous years.
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Apart from this, a senior IAS officer has been placed in charge of each 23 districts of the state and they have been directed to work at the grass root level to closely review the stubble management and prevent stubble burning cases, the Chief Secretary said.
The Chief Secretary appealed to the farmers not to burn stubble under any circumstances for the healthy future of children and youth and to cooperate with the government for its management.
- PTC NEWS
