The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Tuesday commended the Mann government of the state for being successful in keeping the AQI moderate in Punjab even on Diwali. Punjab on Diwali (from 7AM on Nov 12 to 6AM on Nov 13) recorded average AQI 207 which was moderate and significantly better than last year.
Addressing a press conference from the party office in Chandigarh AAP spokesperson Jagtar Singh Sanghera, along with Babbi Badal and Bikramjit Passi, said that it is a matter of pride for the Punjab government that the air quality index this year was better by 22.8 percent compared to 2022. The air quality index was 7.6% better in 2022 compared to 2021 Diwali and this year further improvement was registered.
The air quality index from 7 am on the day of Diwali to 6 am the next day was 268 in 2021, whereas last year the air quality index was 224, this year it was 207. Sanghera added that it was the result of the Mann government's continuous efforts. Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has established continuous ambient air quality monitor stations in six cities, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh and Patiala, which continuously monitor air quality and collect exact data.
He said that stubble burning instances are down by 70% in Punjab, which is a big factor in better air quality. The Mann government, since day one, is working diligently to save resources of Punjab, water, air and soil, and improve the environment in the state. Around 1 lakh 40 thousand machines have been distributed which are used for paddy stubble management. Co-operative societies and NGOs get 80% subsidy on these machines and individuals get 50% subsidy.
More and more organisations and societies are being encouraged to buy these machines. Farmers are getting education, awareness and means to save our environment. He said that stubble is being used to produce biofuel and farmers are getting additional income sources.
Sanghera said that Punjab government machinery and system was fully active. Thanks to the Punjab Government and the personal interest and management of CM Bhagwant Mann, 70 percent less stubble burning instances were recorded, varieties like PUSA-44 banned. Our aim is to achieve zero stubble burning instances.
Concluding AAP spokesperson urged the central government to take similar steps so that this problem can be tackled properly. He said that the Centre should give MSP on 22 crops including lentils and maize. He said that the centre should help the Punjab government to encourage crop diversification.