India Arrests Haryana Farmers Burning Crops As Pollution Rockets
Photo: Reuters/Bhawika Chhabra
NEW DELHI, (REUTERS) – At least 16 farmers have been arrested in Haryana for illegally burning paddy stubble to clear fields, a practice that stokes air pollution in the region around New Delhi at the onset of winter, authorities said on October 22.
India’s national capital region battles pollution each year as temperatures fall and cold air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke, much of which officials say travels from the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.
Meanwhile, at least 182 complaints have been registered and 71 people arrested for burning stubble and trash, operating prohibited brick-kilns and driving smoke-emitting vehicles, Punjab police said.
Delhi was the second-most polluted city in the world on October 22, a live ranking by IQAir indicated, after only Lahore, where Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz earlier urged “climate diplomacy” with India to combat smog.
Police in Haryana’s Kaithal region told Reuters that 22 complaints of stubble burning have been registered this year, and 16 people have been arrested. They said those arrested had been released on bail.
Investigations have been launched against almost 100 farmers across Haryana, while fines have been imposed on more than 300, local media reported.
To curb Delhi’s pollution, authorities have ordered water sprinkling on roads to tackle dust, increasing public bus and metro services and higher parking fees to discourage car use.
Environmentalists say the measures are inadequate.