Air Pollution Crisis: How Many Farmers Arrested in India and Pakistan for Stubble Burning

In a major step to tackle air pollution, authorities in Haryana, India, have arrested 16 farmers for illegally burning paddy stubble. This practice is a major contributor to the annual spike in air pollution around New Delhi, which currently has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 320, placing it in the 'very poor' category. With winter approaching, the situation raises serious health concerns, as colder weather tends to trap smoke and dust in the atmosphere.

The arrests occurred in the Kaithal region of Haryana, where officials have recorded 22 complaints of stubble burning this year. The farmers were subsequently released on bail, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Birbhan. Ongoing investigations involve nearly 100 farmers, and more than 300 individuals have already faced fines for violating pollution laws.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan’s Punjab province, authorities have registered 182 complaints related to stubble burning and other pollution violations, resulting in the arrest of at least 70 individuals. Senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reported that measures such as artificial rain are being considered to combat smog, with costs estimated between Rs 5 million ($18,000) and Rs 7 million ($25,200) for each instance.

On the same day, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi's air quality remains severely compromised, primarily due to emissions from vehicles, construction activities, and stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. According to IQAir's live ranking, Delhi was the second-most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, just behind Lahore in Pakistan.

To mitigate pollution levels, Delhi authorities have introduced measures such as water sprinkling on roads to reduce dust and expanded public transport services to encourage less reliance on private vehicles. However, the environment ministry has warned that the air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category in the coming days, primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions.

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