Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday accepted that his government is responsible for the stubble burning in Punjab.
"Pollution is not just Delhi's but the entire Northern India's problem. The Centre has to come forward and take specific steps so that the entire North India can be relieved from pollution. Air pollution is a North India problem. AAP, the Delhi government or the Punjab government are not solely responsible. Now is not the time for the blame game. There should not be politics over such a sensitive issue. I admit there is stubble burning in Punjab," Kejriwal said addressing a press conference with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann by his side.
"In Punjab, we got only 6 months. The first few months went into implementing law and order. Please give us one more year to solve this," said.
'Farmers do not have a solution'
"Farmers are not responsible for it. They want a solution. The day they find the solution, they will stop burning stubble. If there is stubble burning in Punjab, our government is responsible for it. We take responsibility for it. We have been in the government for only six months which is a very less period. The Punjab government has taken steps. I hope the stubble-burning incidents will be much lesser by next year," he said.
Mann claimed that more stubble is being burned since agricultural output is likewise at all-time highs. As long as farmers receive Minimum Support Prices, the Punjab Chief Minister stated, his administration is considering diversifying away from paddy the following year. He offered substitutes including bajra, poplars, and vegetables.
May bring back Odd- Even scheme, schools shut in Delhi tomorrow onwards
"We're also mulling whether the odd-even scheme for vehicles should be implemented," Kejriwal added.
Primary schools in Delhi are to be closed tomorrow onwards till the pollution situation in the national capital improves.
"We're taking all steps to control the pollution situation. In lieu of that, we're shutting down all primary schools in Delhi from tomorrow... Also shutting down outdoor activities for all classes above class 5," the Delhi CM said.
