Compost at subsidised rates for farmers: North MCD to govt

Mohan Prasad Bhardwaj, chairman, Standing Committee, North Delhi Municipal Corporation on Tuesday, demanded the government to provide compost at subsidised rates to farmers, who are engaged in agricultural activities along the Yamuna river region from Palla to Okhla barrage, so that Delhiites can get vegetables at reasonable rates.

“If agriculture activities are to be stopped then the equal piece of land should be provided to them. Till the time they are not allotted alternate land, they should be allowed to carry out their agricultural activities from there,” said Bhardwaj. 

He also demanded that the Delhi Development Authority should appeal against the NGT in the Delhi High Court. Bhardwaj said that the DDA in compliance to NGT order issued notices to about one thousand farmers that they sell their crops within one month or subject their crops to bulldozing. 

Bhardwaj further added that potato, tomato, muskmelon, onion, brinjal and many such vegetables are grown in this area, which is main source of vegetables at reasonable prices for Delhiiles. 

Bhardwaj said that the National Green Tribunal ordered to stop farming as hazardous chemicals and fertilisers are used, which pollute the Yamuna river. He said that if the farmers are penalised then the officers of Delhi Jal Board should also be terminated, who are allowing flow of untreated sewage water into Yamuna. He said that the so-called water pollution caused by farming is much less than the untreated sewage water that flows into the Yamuna.