'Set aside political differences to find permanent solution'

NEW DELHI: Setting aside political differences aside, the state governments of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and the Centre should come together to find a permanent solution to stubble burning which leads to high pollution every year, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday.

To study the live air quality data, Kejriwal on Thursday launched 20 air monitoring stations.

"All should fight this battle together and keep aside all the political differences," Kejriwal stated, adding that the government does not want to take any decision in haste as that may give negative impact to people.

Addressing stubble burning as the main villain, he said, "The Centre, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi should come together to find a solution to stubble burning."

However, he added that stubble burning is an economic issue and the government should not deal this by fining farmers.

"Punjab and Haryana should evolve a technology and give financial assistance to stop stubble burning. If health cost is much on illness, then we may make some contributions because it is the responsibility of all," the Delhi CM said.

Kejriwal added that he has sought a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab, but has not received any response.

He elaborated that along with stubble burning, wind speed has played a role in aggravating pollution. "Wind speed is likely to improve from the next week and then the condition will be better," he said.

Kejriwal lauded the initiative of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the setting up of 20 new air quality monitoring stations, which will not only help officials take action but spread awareness among people.

The 20 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations have been installed at various locations across the city, including Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, Jawaharlal National Stadium, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, PGDAV College, Sriniwaspuri, Mother Dairy Plant, Patparganj, Satyawati College, Mundka Metro Residential Colony and Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies.

DPCC chairman Keshav Chandra said that strengthening of the network will enable monitoring at a micro level and produce scientifically reproducible data and help in identification of problem areas.