Cracking Down on Stubble Burning: A Pollution Crisis in Haryana

Fourteen farmers in Haryana's Kaithal district were arrested for stubble burning, contributing to severe pollution in the region. The Supreme Court has criticized the states for insufficient action, summoning officials to explain. There's a growing call for government intervention, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) for stubble.

Fourteen farmers were detained in Haryana's Kaithal district for stubble burning, which worsens pollution across the region, including Delhi, according to a police official on Monday.

The practice, prevalent in Haryana and neighboring Punjab, particularly after the harvest season, is often blamed for rising pollution levels in October and November. Despite being arrested under the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, the farmers were released on bail, noted Kaithal's Deputy Superintendent of Police, Birbhan.

Supreme Court justices recently rebuked Punjab and Haryana for failing to prosecute offenders, demanding explanations from state officials. The CAQM has been tasked to take action. Farmers burn stubble for efficient field clearing between crop cycles, prompting political figures to suggest a government-fixed MSP for the stubble itself.

(With inputs from agencies.)