Kolkata:The West Bengal government on Tuesday decided to observe November 4 as 'anti-stubble burning day', an official said.
The Environment department took the decision in the wake of doctors apprehending that the COVID-19 pandemic may deteriorate with a possible surge in air pollution during the ensuing Diwali and upcoming winter season.
The Agriculture Department will also work towards dissuading farmers from burning stubble, the official said.
"After harvesting boro paddy, farmers generally burn the stubble which creates a lot of air pollution. For the last month, we have started an awareness programme for them to understand the detrimental effects of the practice. Tomorrow we will observe it as Anti-stubble burning day," state Environment Minister Soumen Mahapatra said.