look news india
Delhi air pollution: National Green Tribunal (NGT) member Justice Sudhir Agarwal has said that there is no scientific study that proves that Punjab farmers are responsible for Delhi's pollution. It is extremely unfair to prosecute, impose heavy fines and send Punjab farmers to jail for burning stubble.
Addressing the programme on eco-friendly rice cultivation and protection of natural resources and environment awards in Delhi, Justice Agarwal said there are many other reasons for pollution in Delhi on which we need to pay attention.
The statement by the sitting NGT member assumes significance as most judicial proceedings and public debates blame the burning of paddy crop residue in neighbouring states, especially Punjab, for Delhi’s worsening air pollution.
Sharing his experience as a member of the NGT, Justice Agarwal said, “Stubble burning is often cited as the main reason for rising air pollution in Delhi. This is when Punjab is not even the closest neighbour of Delhi.”
Justice Agarwal said that the smoke from Punjab's farms requires a specific wind speed and a specific direction to reach the national capital. Punjab farmers are blamed for pollution but has any scientific study been done before making such allegations?
In particular, Delhi's air contains oily substances and it is unlikely that these are present in crop residues, which are naturally biodegradable. He said that the real cause of Delhi's air pollution is something else and it is completely unfair to sue farmers for it. There may also be political reasons behind such allegations, although I do not know about it.