Pakistan, India arrest farmers for burning crop waste as it increases pollution

Amidst increasing smog in India and Pakistan, neighbourly countries began a crackdown against farmers for burning crop waste, leading to an increase in pollution.

At least 16 farmers have been arrested in the Indian state of Haryana for illegal burning of waste for clearing the field, a practice that polluted the air around New Dehli and Lahore at the onset of winter.

Each year, the Indian capital, Delhi, and Pakistan’s Lahore experience intense smog as temperatures drop. Cold air traps dust and smoke from vehicles exacerbating the pollution.

Reuters quoted a Haryana police official, saying that 22 complaints of stubble burning have been registered this year, of which 16 were arrested. Another police expressed grief towards the court and said those who had been arrested were released on bail.

The Indian authorities imposed fines on 300 farmers, and probes were being held against 100.

According to Pakistan’s Punjab police, at least 182 complaints were registered against people spreading smog. Moreover, police arrested 71  for burning stubble and trash operating prohibited bricks-kilns.

Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that the authorities have completed their preparation for artificial rain, which will cost Rs5-7 million. 

Meanwhile, to curb the pollution in Delhi, the government ordered water sprinkling to settle down the dust, increased public and metro buses, and the parking fees to discourage car use.

“Stable weather conditions, particularly during the autumn and winter months, will be contributing to the accumulation of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere,” said the Pakistan Meteorologist Department (PMD).

It added that the combination of industrial pollution, vehicular emissions, and conducive weather patterns may lead to an increase in air pollution.