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Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday dismissed claims that farmers in Punjab are responsible for Delhi’s pollution, calling such accusations "ridiculous." He urged people to analyze the facts before jumping to conclusions.
Punjab Farmers Not to Blame for Delhi’s Pollution: Piyush Goyal
“For Delhi, don’t believe anyone who tells you it’s the farmers of Punjab causing the pollution,” Goyal stated during an event hosted by the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Just apply your mind... I wonder how pollution travels 500 kilometers through the high rises of Gurgaon and finds its way to my home in New Delhi.”
While acknowledging that stubble burning is an issue, he stressed that it is unfair to single out farmers as the primary cause of pollution in the capital.
Multiple Causes Behind Delhi’s Pollution Crisis
Stubble burning, which occurs after the summer harvest to clear fields for the next crop, is often cited as a major reason for Delhi's poor air quality. However, Goyal emphasized that other factors play a significant role.
- Construction Activities: Unchecked construction dust significantly contributes to air pollution in urban areas.
- Vehicle Emissions: The high number of vehicles in Delhi and surrounding areas adds to worsening air quality.
Goyal advocated for sustainable solutions, such as precast construction methods and electric mobility, to tackle pollution more effectively.
Encouraging Sustainable Practices
Goyal urged businesses to adopt electric vehicles for transportation instead of blaming external factors. “Rather than blame others, can we also think of our role? Can we think of electric mobility, both for personal and company use?” he asked.
On the construction front, he highlighted the global shift toward precast construction, which is faster, more efficient, and less polluting than traditional methods.
A Broader Perspective on Pollution
While political and environmental debates around Delhi’s air pollution continue, Goyal’s comments reflect a push for a more comprehensive approach to the issue—one that considers multiple sources rather than placing blame on Punjab’s farmers alone.
