Ludhiana, November 9
Launching a scathing attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP Government over the alarming rise in stubble-burning incidents, former general secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Pawan Dewan today said that the AAP government has completely failed to control the menace despite tall claims and repeated assurances. In a social media post on X, Dewan wrote, “The Punjab Government has completely failed to curb stubble-burning incidents. The reporting of 1,152 stubble-burning cases in a single day is deeply alarming. Ludhiana’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 312. When will this reckless disregard for public health come to an end?”
Meanwhile, later in a statement issued in this regard, Dewan pointed out that such a high number of stubble-burning cases in a single day is a matter of grave concern and exposes the government’s inability to implement effective measures on the ground. “Ludhiana’s AQI has touched 312, placing the city in the “very poor” category and posing serious health risks to lakhs of residents. The deteriorating air quality is not merely an environmental issue but a public health emergency. Children, senior citizens and patients suffering from respiratory ailments are bearing the brunt of the government’s negligence,” he said.
Dewan alleged that instead of taking concrete steps to support farmers with viable alternatives for crop residue management, the state government has indulged in publicity and blame games. “Every year Punjab witnesses pollution due to stubble burning, yet the government appears to have learnt nothing from past experiences,” he remarked. Dewan further said that people are being forced to breathe toxic air while the government remains a mute spectator.
Demanding immediate intervention, Dewan urged the government to strengthen awareness campaigns, provide adequate machinery and financial assistance to farmers and strictly monitor stubble-burning hotspots to prevent further deterioration of air quality across the state.“The health and lives of Punjab’s people cannot be sacrificed due to administrative failure and political indifference,” he concluded.
