Chandigarh Nov 14
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded humorously to comments from Pakistan’s Punjab CM, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, regarding pollution caused by stubble burning. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Nawaz Sharif, reportedly said she would write to Bhagwant Mann, stating, “Your smoke reaches Lahore.” In response, CM Mann joked, “Delhi also says our smoke is reaching them. I wondered, is our smoke just going in circles?”
“Already Troubled by Pakistanis,” Says Mann
He added, “Everyone has something to say to us. Go ahead and write your letter too. We were already troubled by one person from Pakistan; now you can trouble us too.” CM Mann made these remarks while speaking at an event at Punjab University.
No Blame Game Over Pollution – CM Mann
CM Bhagwant Mann emphasized that pollution should not be a subject of blame but rather an issue to resolve collectively. He noted that states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana also face pollution issues, suggesting that a collaborative approach is needed to find a solution.
Stubble Burning Cases Persist Despite Increased Fines
Despite doubling the fines for stubble burning in Punjab, the practice continues unabated. On Wednesday, the situation worsened, turning the state into a gas chamber with thick smog. An additional 509 stubble-burning cases were reported, bringing the total cases in the state to 7,621.
A dense blanket of smog, resembling severe winter fog, has covered cities, making people hesitant to step outdoors. Visibility on roads has decreased, and breathing in the polluted air has become challenging. On Wednesday morning, visibility remained low due to the smog.
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