Times News Network
At a news conference Monday, Mishra claimed that satellite data had showed around 100-125 stubble burning incidents daily between November 5 and 7, but the number suddenly rose to nearly 1,200 on Nov 8. Mishra said: “On Nov 7, stubble burning incidents were reported at approximately 125 locations. How did the number suddenly rise to 1,200 on Diwali? How did the figure increase by more than 10 times? Citing CPCB data, he said Delhi’s AQI on the morning after Diwali was 358 in 2023 and 341 in 2024, compared with 368 this year. It was 364 on Diwali morning, Nov 8, he said.
He said he had received calls from Punjab farmers alleging that their fields were deliberately set on fire while they were celebrating Diwali with their families. “This is a conspiracy against farmers, a conspiracy against Diwali, a conspiracy against Delhi and a conspiracy against Punjab,” he said. Mishra said the farmers in Punjab were making every effort to reduce stubble burning. “There may have been some instances of fire due to unavoidable circumstances, but the sudden appearance of such a large number of incidents on Diwali raises serious questions,” the minister said.
New Delhi: Minister Kapil Mishra Monday alleged that there was a sudden spike in stubble burning incidents in Punjab on Diwali , which was suspicious. He called for an investigation into the matter. He urged Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann to order a probe and arrest those responsible. This is a matter of serious concern. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor alleged that AAP and Congress were unfairly blaming firecrackers for pollution and hurting Hindu sentiments.