Clearing the Air: Nitin Gadkari Unveils Innovative Solution to Tackle Delhi’s Stubble-Burning Woes

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the measures implemented by the Central Government to address stubble burning in neighboring states like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. He expressed optimism that with the increasing value of stubble, it will no longer pose a problem, envisioning the development of a thriving market for this agricultural residue in the future. Elaborating on the matter, Nitin Gadkari stated on Tuesday, “Stubble is being utilized to produce Bitumen, Bio-CNG, and LNG in these states.” He emphasized ongoing endeavors to establish “a robust market for agricultural residue.” The emissions from stubble burning, prevalent in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, significantly contribute to air pollution in Delhi. Acknowledging the severity of the matter, the Supreme Court issued directives to farmers in these states and their respective governments, urging an immediate halt to stubble burning.

In response to the Supreme Court’s directive, Nitin Gadkari informed the news agency ANI, stating, “Stubble is being transformed into Bitumen, Bio-CNG, and LNG. A total of 185 projects have commenced in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for the production of CNG and LNG. In Panipat, ethanol, bio bitumen, and aviation fuel are being derived from stubble, with government efforts underway to accelerate the process.” Nitin Gadkari expressed optimism by stating that with time, the value of stubble will rise, leading to the establishment of a robust market for it. He emphasized the government’s persistent efforts, foreseeing a future where stubble will no longer pose a pollution problem due to the increased economic value associated with it.

ANI Report says, the Road Transport Minister conveyed, “The government is actively working towards this. As the value of stubble increases, a thriving market for it will emerge, ultimately resolving the pollution issue stemming from stubble burning.” “When I was in Punjab, I suggested to them that a policy should be made and farmers should be included to convert it (stubble) from waste to wealth…,” he added. He believed that such a policy would prove beneficial in tackling the problem effectively. In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in November, the Committee of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and neighboring areas highlighted the imperative for the Punjab state government and its affiliated administrative agencies to rigorously and effectively enforce the diverse elements of the action plan. This, the committee asserted, is essential to significantly reduce the occurrences of stubble burning.