Indian environment ministry approves regional project to tackle stubble burning

NEW DELHI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- India's environment ministry approved on Friday a regional project for farmers to reduce stubble burning.

The project was approved at a meeting of the national steering committee on climate change held in New Delhi.

"The first phase of the project has been approved at a cost of around 100 Crore rupees (15.6 million U.S. dollars) for the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan," an official said.

The project not only aims to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance adaptive capacity, but also counter the adverse environmental impacts that arise from stubble burning.

Environment and Forest Minister Harsh Vardhan said dust pollution is a major cause of pollution in Delhi and his ministry is working to mitigate it.

Vardhan said that the government is trying to control pollution in a scientific manner.

During the past two months, levels of pollution in New Delhi and its outskirts have been increased, affecting air quality and visibility. The deadly blanket of smog enveloped the Indian capital last month, forcing authorities to close down schools.

Pollution in Delhi gets aggravated during winter months. Ahead of winters people burn agricultural waste to clear cropland, which contributes to the choking of already polluted air.

Authorities in New Delhi government attributed stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring states as the reason for increasing pollution and smog.

The deadly smog chocks air causing breathlessness and lung difficulties, besides badly affecting visibility.

Delhi is considered to be the most polluted city in the world. Last year the city's high court described the capital as "gas chamber".

Air pollution is a leading cause of premature death in India. Enditem