Chief Minister Atishi warned Monday that Delhi-NCR is facing a grave medical emergency as a result of rising air pollution, accusing the BJP-led central government of failing to take any real action to address the issue of stubble burning, which has only risen in the previous five years.
Addressing a press conference, she stated that pollution is causing many problems for Delhi people, including children and the elderly. “All of North India has been driven into an acute health situation as stubble burning continues unabated throughout the country. All cities across the country – in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi – are experiencing extreme levels of pollution,” she stated.
All of northwestern India is paying the price for this, particularly youngsters and the elderly who have struggled to breathe,” Atishi said. The deputy governor said that Punjab was the only state that has succeeded in minimizing stubble burning, with 36,000 farm fires reported last year, down from 71,300 in 2021. Last year, only 8,404 instances were registered.
“Farm fires in Punjab have been reduced by 90%. In contrast, UP has had a 60% growth. Farm fires in Haryana have escalated. Why isn’t the Centre acting against these states and taking actual steps?