Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Friday released “pictorial evidence of stubble burning in Delhi’s neighbourhood” which, he said, may lead to “worsening ambient air quality conditions” in the city in the immediate future.
“I am constrained to release the latest photographs of unabated stubble burning noticed at various locations in Haryana and Punjab along the Delhi-Chandigarh National Highway. When such instances are visible even on the National Highway, what might be the situation in other areas of these States?” the Minister said in a statement. Arguing that the pictures spoke for themselves to indicate “widespread” stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and UP, he said the situation led to a “reasonable apprehension” that Delhi may witness “another episode of worsening ambient air quality in the coming weeks and months.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that “no concrete action” has been taken by the Centre, governments of Haryana and Punjab on stubble burning despite Delhi pursuing the issue with them. Mr. Hussain contended, that the Centre and governments of these States “have not seriously taken up the issue”.