'Smog from Punjab is not...': Bhagwant Mann refutes claims of stubble burning affecting Delhi's air

Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann.

As Delhi and its adjoining areas reel under severe air pollution, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday categorically refuted claims that the current air crisis in NCR is due to the existing conditions in the Punjab. The chief minister also applauded the farmers for successfully reducing the instances of stubble burning in the state.

"Every year, an issue of stubble burning crops up in Punjab. Stubble burning pollutes the environment. It is said that Punjab plays the biggest role in air pollution in Delhi. I want to make it clear that at this time, when I am shooting this video, the AQI of all big cities in Punjab is between 70-110...The AQI in Delhi right now is between 450-500," remarked the AAP leader in a video.

"So, smog from Punjab is not reaching there right now. You admit that Punjab's smog has no role in affecting the air in Delhi? I want to appreciate the farmers of Punjab this time, want to appreciate NGOs and thank nature lovers that. Govt's efforts have also been successful, and there has been a decline of 70-80% in stubble-burning cases. Centre too has admitted this in Parliament...So, Delhi Govt should make an effort all by itself for its air...Don't drag Punjab in this political fight..." underlined the CM.

Delhi continued to reel under hazardous air conditions on Tuesday as the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 378 at around 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The air quality showed a marginal improvement compared to Monday, when the AQI had touched 427 at around 4 pm, falling in the 'severe' category.

Earlier in November, Mann highlighted that Punjab's paddy harvesting isn't the culprit, as Delhi's AQI hit 400 before harvesting began. He adds that 99% of Punjab's rice is exported, and it's not a staple food for locals.

"The smoke from Punjab doesn't even reach Delhi. For smoke to travel from Punjab to Delhi in 10 days, it requires wind blowing from North to South at 30 kmph, which never happens...The smoke that travels to Delhi stays over Connaught Place! What a joke!.. There are Haryana, Rajasthan and UP neighbouring Delhi, plus Delhi's own pollution...Even before paddy harvesting began in Punjab, Delhi's AQI reached 400... 99% of the paddy harvested in Punjab is sent across the country, rice is not even a staple food for people of Punjab..." remarked Mann in November.