LG tells Hry, Punjab to curb stubble fires

Lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena on Saturday wrote to the chief ministers of the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, asking them to control farm fires in their regions since they annually contribute to the Capital's air pollution, which is on a gradual rise.

According to Saxena, Punjab recorded 1,063 farm fires between September 15 and October 11, which he said was 300 more than last year's count of 763 in the same period. Similarly, he said, Haryana reported 340 such incidents in this period, which is 257 more than last year's 83, the LG said.

Expressing concern over the numbers, the LG said that while Delhi has been taking necessary measures to control pollution caused by vehic emissions and dust from roads and pavements, he requested that the two states keep the fires in check.

Saxena has routinely been locked in confrontations, mostly administrative but also public ones, with the Delhi government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Punjab, which accounts for far higher numbers of farm fires and is ruled by the AAP, was singled out by Saxena.