Stubble burning declines by 40 per cent, says Union Minister Bhupender Yadav
The Centre has implemented comprehensive environmental action plans as Delhi's air quality index reaches 451.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated on Tuesday that stubble burning has declined by 40 per cent in neighbouring states including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. According to The Federal, the Minister noted that around 40 per cent of paddy stubble has been utilised through ex-situ management this time.
The Minister said more comprehensive environmental action plans have been prepared and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has established a dedicated dashboard to track progress. He added that there has been a decline in stubble-burning incidents compared to previous years.
Despite the reported decline, Delhi's air quality remained in the severe category on Tuesday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 451 at 8 am.
Yadav said the CAQM is continuously monitoring meteorological conditions, such as wind speed, wind direction and the movement of air. He stated that the CAQM has issued instructions in coordination with state governments to ensure measures are implemented based on these assessments.
The CAQM brought Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) into force across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. These restrictions were added to the measures already being enforced under Stage-I following the rise in pollution levels.