Significant decline in stubble burning cases registered in Karnal, says Deputy Director of Agriculture

Karnal (Haryana) [India], October 23 (ANI): Deputy Director of Agriculture, Dr Wazir Singh on Monday revealed that this year, only 48 cases of stubble burning have been registered in Karnal. This marks a substantial decrease from the previous year when about 140 cases were recorded.
Singh expressed his satisfaction, highlighting the heightened awareness exhibited by both farmers and the department towards curbing stubble burning.
He said, "So far 48 cases of stubble burning from Karnal have been registered, whereas last year around 140 cases were registered. This shows that farmers and the department have shown awareness regarding stubble burning."
He further emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat this environmental concern, with multiple awareness programs currently in operation across the state. These initiatives aim to educate and encourage sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to a reduction in stubble-burning incidents.
He further said that so far, a fine of Rs 1,12,000 has been imposed on farmers in Karnal district in this matter.
In a fervent call to action, he implored farmers to abstain from the practice of burning crop residue. Recognizing the detrimental effects of this method on both the environment and public health, Dr. Singh emphasized the critical need for alternative, sustainable disposal methods.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the next two weeks were crucial for the city that has put into force phase two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle "very poor" air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management sub-committee on Saturday decided to invoke the 11-point action plan as per Stage-II of the revised GRAP in the entire National Capital Region.
As per a government release issued by the Ministry of Environment, under GRAP-2 restrictions in Delhi NCR, there is ban on the use of coal and wood-fired stoves, the frequency of CNG and electric buses will be increased, regular cleaning of roads and a sprinkling of water on them to be done, traffic police personnel to ensure there are no traffic jams so that pollution can be controlled.
Agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and DPCC have been addressed to ensure successful and strict implementation of actions under Stage-II of GRAP in addition to actions under Stage-I of GRAP during this period, the statement read.
The Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms that are easy to understand. There are six AQI categories, namely Good + Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
Each of these categories is decided based on the ambient concentration values of air pollutants and their likely health impacts (known as health breakpoints). According to the AQI scale, the air quality check between 0 and 50 is "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 450 "severe". (ANI)