In a significant statement, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed confidence that stubble burning, a major environmental concern, will soon cease to be a problem. Emphasizing the government’s dedication to finding sustainable solutions, Gadkari highlighted ongoing initiatives that aim to utilize stubble for beneficial purposes.
“Bitumen, bio CNG, LNG is being made from stubble. 185 projects have started in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh to make CNG, LNG. In Panipat, ethanol, bio bitumen, and aviation fuel are being made from stubble, and the government is working to speed it up,” stated the road transport minister in Nagpur.
Gadkari underlined the government’s commitment to resolving the stubble burning issue, emphasizing that efforts are being made to create a market for stubble by increasing its value. He shared his prior suggestion to the Punjab government about formulating a stubble policy to enable farmers to derive value from their agricultural residue.
“The government is making efforts. In time, stubble will cease to be a problem as the price of stubble will increase. There will be a good market for stubble. The problem of pollution as a result of burning stubble will be solved,” he affirmed.
Gadkari’s remarks come amidst reports of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, with the state reporting 1,776 cases recently. The Supreme Court has also intervened, urging the Centre and neighboring states to implement a “carrot and stick policy” to curb farm fires, acknowledging the severe impact of paddy straw burning on air pollution in Delhi during October and November.
As environmental concerns rise, the government’s focus on innovative solutions, as outlined by Gadkari, signals a determined approach to address the multifaceted challenges associated with stubble burning.
Sources By Agencies
