Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has firmly dismissed allegations that his state is contributing to Delhi’s severe air pollution, asserting that Punjab has successfully curbed stubble burning and cannot be held responsible for the capital’s deteriorating air quality. Addressing the issue, Mann said that while stubble burning was once a serious concern in Punjab following the paddy harvest, his government has taken effective measures to bring the problem under control. He pointed out that even the central government has acknowledged a significant reduction—by nearly 70 to 80 percent—in incidents of farm fires across the state.
The chief minister underlined current air quality data to strengthen his argument, stating that no city in Punjab is recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 70, a level considered relatively safe. In contrast, he noted, Delhi’s AQI has crossed the 450 mark, placing it in the “severe” category and raising serious public health concerns.
Mann further questioned the narrative linking Punjab’s agriculture to Delhi’s pollution, emphasizing that wheat sowing has already begun in Punjab. “If agricultural residue burning is no longer taking place here, why is Delhi’s air quality worsening so dramatically?” he asked, suggesting that the causes lie elsewhere.
Reiterating his position, the chief minister said Punjab has no role in the current pollution crisis affecting the national capital and urged the Delhi government to focus on its own strategies to address emissions and improve air quality.
Mann’s remarks come amid heightened political and administrative debate over responsibility for North India’s recurring winter smog. His statement underscores the growing demand for data-driven accountability and coordinated action among states, as air pollution continues to pose a serious environmental and public health challenge across the region.
About The Author
Comment List