Environment Minister chairs meeting with 5 states to tackle stubble burning issue

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) held a virtual meeting on the issue related to air pollution and stubble burning on Thursday. He decided to conduct trials of stubble decomposition machine in all the agricultural-based states.

New Delhi:Ahead of the winter season, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar held a meeting with 5 states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, Forest and Climate Change to chalk out a plan to tackle stubble burning issue and decided to conduct trials of stubble decomposition machine in all the agricultural-based states.

The state environment ministers of 5 states, along with the secretaries of environment departments, Central Pollution Control Board officials, representatives of Delhi Development Authority and New Delhi Municipal Council attended the meeting.

While addressing a press conference after the meeting, Javadekar said, "Stubble burning is one of the causes of air pollution and Center has provided machines for it. Trials will be done on the new decomposer machine developed by Pusa Agriculture Institute."

He also mentioned that stubble burning cases have been reduced in the past three years. The detailed action plans prepared by various states and agencies were also discussed during the meeting.

Union Minister also informed the states that the centre has allotted a fund of Rs 1700 to the states for stubble management.

"Currently, 80% of the city to Cooperative and 50% subsidy to individuals on machinery for stubble is being provided to curb pollution caused due to stubble burning," he said.

Delhi has been asked to focus on its 13 pollution hotspots and to avoid dust, all the incomplete road construction must be completed as soon as possible.

"Hotspots have been prepared. Central Government has given machines to decompose crop residue. Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) and Pusa's Decomposer technology will be tried in all states this year," he further added.

PUSA Decomposer is a set of four tablets made by extracting fungi strains that helps paddy straw to decompose quickly. With the use of this, farmers can mix the straw with soil for decomposition.

Javadekar also noted that there are several factors other than stubble burning which act as a fueling agent in air pollution in the national capital, including garbage burning, dust and unpaved roads.

"We are also encouraging the use of Bio CNG and bio-power. Center has also introduced BS-VI norms, power plants of Badarpur and Sonipat have been closed. Eastern and Western Peripheral expressways have helped massively in reducing vehicular pollution in Delhi," he added.