Chandigarh, December 18: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday questioned the continued blame on Punjab for Delhi’s pollution crisis. He said there is no stubble burning in Punjab, yet Delhi’s Air Quality Index remains above 400. Mann asked who the Centre and Delhi government would blame now.
Speaking to reporters at his residence, Mann said Punjab’s AQI currently varies between 70 and 110. In contrast, Delhi’s AQI has crossed the 450 mark in several locations. He said the data clearly shows Punjab cannot be held responsible for Delhi’s toxic air.
Mann accused the BJP-led Centre and the Delhi government of repeatedly defaming Punjab. He said blame was placed on Punjab even before harvesting began. Referring to Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Mann said accusations started without any factual basis.
“There has always been an attempt to blame Punjab,” Mann said. He added that wheat sowing and harvesting are complete in the state. According to him, stubble burning is not happening now. Yet, Delhi’s air remains severely polluted.
Punjab Farmers Praised for Cutting Stubble Fires
Later, in a video message, Mann praised Punjab farmers for reducing stubble burning significantly. He said the Centre admitted in Parliament that stubble fires in Punjab dropped by 70 percent this season. Central ministers visiting flood-hit areas in Punjab also confirmed this assessment.
Mann said the Centre should now publicly acknowledge the farmers’ efforts. He stressed that Punjab’s farmers should not be defamed for political reasons. “Political leaders can do politics, but the ann-daata should not be targeted,” he said.
He pointed out that this year many farmers had to resow crops due to floods. Despite this challenge, farmers avoided stubble burning. Mann said responsible farming practices deserve appreciation, not blame.
He also highlighted wind direction patterns. Mann said smoke from Punjab can reach Delhi only when winds flow north to south. Such conditions occur rarely. Therefore, he said, blaming Punjab lacks scientific logic.
“Punjab is a land of Gurus,” Mann said. He added that Sikh teachings emphasise environmental protection. According to him, farmers have respected this principle.
Delhi Pollution Crisis Cannot Be Shifted to Punjab
Mann said the situation in Delhi remains alarming. He noted that flights are being cancelled and construction activities are being banned in the capital. Despite this, Punjab continues to face allegations.
He urged the Centre to address local pollution sources in Delhi. Mann said blaming neighbouring states does not solve the crisis. He argued that Delhi must look inward to control emissions.
The chief minister said the Punjab stubble burning issue has been politicised for years. He claimed facts now expose the false narrative. Mann said Punjab has done its part this season.
Remarks on MGNREGA, Renaming Politics
Responding to a question on the Centre renaming MGNREGA, Mann dismissed the move. He said changing names achieves nothing. “Work matters, not names,” he said.
Mann remarked that leaders are remembered for their work. He said statues are erected in public squares for those who deliver results. Otherwise, statues stand in fields, he added.
He also criticised frequent renaming of cities and stations. Mann said only renaming the country remains. He sarcastically suggested it may be named after Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay.
Security Issues and Public Order
On bomb threat emails sent to schools in Amritsar and Jalandhar, Mann said similar incidents occurred in Delhi earlier. He described such acts as mischief. Mann said police have been instructed to maintain strict security.
Regarding farmers’ calls to stop trains, Mann issued a clear warning. He said protests that inconvenience the public will not be tolerated. Mann said dialogue should come before disruptions.
Preparations for Shaheedi Sabha in Fatehgarh Sahib
Mann also spoke about preparations for the Shaheedi Sabha in Fatehgarh Sahib. The event will be held from December 25 to 27. He said nearly 50 lakh devotees are expected to attend.
The government has finalised arrangements for safety and convenience. Mann said authorities will ensure smooth movement and security. He described the event as deeply significant for Sikh history.