Delhi minister accuses AAP government of worsening pollution in Punjab and Delhi
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that stubble burning and political appointments are driving up pollution levels in both states.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of facilitating stubble burning and worsening pollution in both Punjab and the national capital. According to reports by The Indian Express and ANI, Sirsa alleged that the pollution generated in Punjab could drift toward Delhi due to western disturbances.
Sirsa claimed that more than 900 farm fires were recorded in Punjab between October 26 and November 1. He cited specific figures, stating 103 fires occurred on October 26, 33 on October 27, 98 on October 28, 194 on October 29, 292 on October 30 and 31 combined, and 175 on November 1. He contrasted this with 18 incidents in Haryana and 59 in Uttar Pradesh.
The minister alleged that Punjab Police personnel were present at several locations helping to set crop residue on fire. He also criticised the appointment of Reena Gupta, a former AAP spokesperson in Delhi and relative of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, as chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). Sirsa claimed Gupta is a non-technical person and alleged attempts are being made to manipulate pollution data.
Sirsa stated that several locations in Punjab have recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels exceeding 1,000. He cited readings for Barnala at 1,244, Talwandi Sabo at 1,036, Bathinda at 1,100, Malout at 960, Abohar at 885, Jalandhar at 690, Ludhiana at 560, and Gurdaspur at 528. He alleged that Arvind Kejriwal has transferred the pollution crisis from Delhi to Punjab.