16 farmers arrested in India’s Haryana for illegally burning paddy stubble

Authorities on Tuesday (Oct 22) said that at least 16 farmers in India’s northern state of Haryana were arrested for illegally burning paddy stubble, a practice that contributes to severe air pollution in the region around New Delhi at the onset of winter. 

New Delhi, India’s national capital battles with pollution during the onset of winters as temperatures fall, air traps smoke, vehicle emissions, and construction dust, most of which travels from the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. Delhi has been ranked as the world’s most polluted capital for four years continuously by Swiss group IQAir. Several times, the national capital has had to close its schools and halt construction projects for brief periods to tackle the problem. 

As per the news agency Reuters, Haryana’s Kaithal police said that 22 complaints of stubble burning have been registered till now, and 16 farmers have been arrested. However, those arrested have been released on bail because it is a bailable offence, said Birbhan, the deputy superintendent of police. 

As per local media, investigations have been launched on almost 100 farmers across Haryana, and fines have been imposed on over 300 farmers. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded “very poor” air on Tuesday morning, with an AQI of 320. It was the second-most polluted city in the world after Lahore on Tuesday, as per the live ranking on IQAir’s website. 

Delhi’s environment ministry informed that Delhi’s daily average AQI is likely to stay ‘Very Poor” in (300-400) for a few days because of unfavourable climatic conditions. 

The authorities have ordered water sprinkling on roads to handle dust, and higher parking fees to discourage personal car use and encourage public bus and metro services. 

Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha said these measures are inadequate. He said, “These are only emergency measures…This air pollution mitigation needs a long-term comprehensive solution rather than these ad hoc measures.” 

(With inputs from agencies)