‘Blaming Punjab farmers won’t resolve Delhi pollution; we’ll have to learn from China’

Q: The burning of paddy stubble has brought disrepute to Punjab, and even the Supreme Court has pulled up the government. What is the latest?

A: We have made significant progress. Over the last three years, we have worked hard to end the practice of burning stubble. We strengthened the supply and value chain, provided machines to farmers, and focused heavily on awareness. Farmers don’t want to burn stubble. It affects their own families’ health. They understand this. Now the supply chain is functional. Boilers in industries have been replaced with stubble-based ones, and units previously using pet coke and coal have shifted to stubble.

The Centre must also support us. Crop diversification is essential — not just for clean air but also to conserve groundwater. We cannot keep depleting our water resources for paddy.

Q: The BJP has blamed Punjab for Delhi’s pollution. Your response?

A: We should learn from China’s approach to Beijing’s pollution crisis. They didn’t indulge in blame games; the federal government set measurable targets and supported cities with funds.

Pollution is a national issue. The Centre cannot blame states and expect them to manage on their own. With current technology, we can precisely identify pollution sources, so blame games are pointless. Unless we act together with measurable steps, our lungs will continue to suffer.

Q: Earlier, when AAP ruled Delhi, it too blamed Punjab’s farmers. Now the stance has changed. Why?

A: Yes, we had said that earlier. But now we have addressed the issue. This year, Punjab saw only 5,000 stubble-burning incidents. I am confident that within two years there will be none.

Our efforts in education and awareness have paid off. Farmers now see stubble as a resource, not waste. You can see it being collected in fields everywhere.

Q: Punjab itself experienced very poor AQI recently. How is PPCB tackling this?

A: We have launched the Punjab Clean Air Programme, working with municipalities and Urban Local Bodies. We analyse each city holistically— garbage burning, road dust from potholes, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. We have created a structured methodology and are coordinating closely with local bodies to improve air quality.

Q: Industries are often accused of getting away with dumping effluents. How are you addressing this?

A: We are developing a system to eliminate Inspector Raj. Industries will be required to adopt self-regulation and self-certification. They must install monitoring equipment and provide us real-time data access on our dashboard-this is how monitoring works globally. If self-regulation fails, we will take penal action.

We have launched a Citizen Grievances Cell, where residents can report polluting units through email or phone. Recently, after a complaint, we took action against a sweets factory in Mohali that was using coal and emitting thick smoke. The owner was penalised and instructed to install pollution-control equipment. Many small industries are unaware of norms, we need to build awareness.

Q: Buddha Nullah has long been a source of pollution and a threat to people downstream. What progress has been made?

A: We are making substantial efforts to clean the Buddha Dariya. A committee headed by the industries and local bodies ministers meets every 15 days for reviews. This issue involves both pollution and the livelihood of 30,000–40,000 people. But the situation is improving. You should visit now to see the progress firsthand.