Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua on Tuesday assured the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region that the state will reduce the stubble burning instances by 50 percent in comparison with 2022.

The State Government is taking every step to effectively tackle air pollution, said Januja, during the meeting chaired by CAQM chairperson Dr MM Kutty with the senior officers and all Deputy Commissioners of the state. During the meeting, the plan was discussed for paddy crop residue management in respect of the coming Kharif harvesting season in the state.

The Deputy Commissioners briefed the CAQM chairperson about the steps taken by the State Government for crop residue management in the State.

“Dr Kutty was happy with the steps taken by Punjab to curb stubble burning and congratulated on 30 percent reduction in the number of fire instances. He has directed all the DCs to prepare action plans for 2023 in advance. He also appreciated the concerned districts who are doing exceptional work regarding this, especially Deputy Commissioners of Ludhiana and Malerkotla,” informed Janjua.

Chief Secretary Janjua highlighted the initiatives taken by the State Government for managing stubble, including solving issues of ex-situ industries, promoting crop diversification, and providing adequate in-situ management machines.

He said that on the Chief Minister’s directions, the State Government is working on using paddy straw as animal fodder, promoting cotton crop, and sowing the short-duration variety of paddy. “Field officers are capable of handling this issue and are working with full zeal and enthusiasm….The state government would also hold an awareness campaign for farmers regarding harmful effects of paddy straw burning, especially on the soil fertility,” he added.

During the meeting, CAQM member secretary Arvind Nautiyal put forward a presentation on in-situ and ex-situ management strategies and the way forward for the State. Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) chairman Prof Adarsh Pal Vig briefed about steps taken by the board to counter air pollution.