Political dispute erupts over Delhi pollution and Punjab stubble burning
Delhi minister Kapil Mishra alleged a conspiracy behind a sudden spike in Punjab farm fires on Diwali.
A political dispute has emerged regarding worsening air quality in Delhi, with Delhi minister Kapil Mishra alleging a conspiracy involving a sudden spike in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab on Diwali, according to reports by The Pioneer and Deccan Herald.
Mishra stated that satellite data showed Punjab recorded approximately 100 to 125 stubble-burning incidents on November 5, 6 and 7, but the number rose to nearly 1,200 on the evening of November 8. Official data indicated Punjab witnessed 1,152 fresh farm fires on Diwali, increasing the state's total count to 4,459 from 3,307 on November 7.
Mishra urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to order an inquiry, register FIRs, and examine the phone records of local representatives in affected areas. He also alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders had been making derogatory remarks against Diwali and Sanatan traditions.
AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj dismissed the claims, stating that smoke from Punjab cannot reach Delhi in 10 minutes and takes 2-3 days to travel. Bharadwaj accused the Delhi government of data fraud, alleging that monitoring stations were installed near green areas and water was sprinkled near stations to lower readings.
Bharadwaj further claimed the government shuts down air quality monitoring stations on the night of Diwali. He stated that the government should follow scientific principles when discussing pollution data.