Bio-decomposer technique in farmlands of Delhi has been a success: CM Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal on Friday shared the results of the bio-decomposer technique used in the farmlands in Delhi and urged the Centre and state governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to implement the same technique to prevent stubble burning.

The CM said that the bio-decomposer technique, developed by the Pusa Agricultural Institute has been a success, and the impact assessment report across 24 villages in Delhi has shown that around 70-95% of stubble had turned into manure, in as low as Rs 30 per acre. 

He said that the Delhi government will formally file a petition in the AQC (Air Quality COmmission) with the impact assessment report and will put forward its appeal for the AQC to direct the other states to implement the bio-decomposer technique. CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal said that the Delhi government will take several preventive measures in the coming days, and the Corona will come under control in the next 7-10 days.

Addressing a digital press briefing, CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "I want to congratulate you all on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali, and I pray to God for you and your family to stay healthy. For the last 10-12 years, the smoke from stubble burning in October and November reaches Delhi and travels across Northern India, which causes massive pollution in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. I would not go into the reasons, but people across North India suffer due to massive pollution from stubble burning every year. I have spoken to farmers across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, and they are the most distressed due to stubble burning. They suffer the most due to this pollution, just think about all the people living in a village in a state like Punjab, where stubble burning is practiced by the farmers. The media captures these events in Delhi, but these events in villages remain uncaptured.

Until now, no significant step was taken in this regard, except politics, statements, and conflicts on the matter. I want to thank the Pusa Agricultural Institute, which is the most reputed national institute in the country. In a bid to resolve this problem, they have developed a bio-decomposer solution, which, if sprayed on the farmlands, will convert the stubble into manure. When a farmer burns stubble, it destroys the good bacteria on the fields as well as the fertility and productivity of the soil. The bio-decomposer solution helps retain the good bacteria and improves the fertility of the soil along with preventing pollution. We sought after the Pusa Institute to implement the bio-decomposer technique, which they were experimenting with for 3-4 years. We sprayed the solution on 2000 acres of farmlands in Delhi free of cost, starting October 13." 

"I have with me the report prepared by the scientists of the Pusa Research Institute, assessing the impact of the bio-decomposer technique in 24 villages across Delhi, on a sample basis. This is the physical verification report by the scientists, who visited the locations after 20 days of the solution being sprayed on the fields," he added,

According to the scientists, around 70-95% of the stubble had decomposed into manure. The CM said, "We talked to the farmers, they are very happy with the results. We have the resolve to stubble burning with us, it is on the governments to act now. Would the other state governments implement it or continue to suffer from pollution?" 

CM Arvind Kejriwal said that pollution is the biggest reason behind the surge in the number of Corona cases. "The Corona was under control in Delhi until last week. I want to appeal to the Supreme Court and the Centre, and Punjab, Haryana, UP governments along with all agencies to act on resolving the problem of pollution. There is a very easy and cost-effective solution available, and so now no government can say there is no alternative to the problem. The report says that it just costs Rs 30 per acre, which can be given out of a state's own budget," he added. 

The Central government has constituted an Air Quality Commission to monitor the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The Delhi government will formally file a petition in the AQC with this report and will put forward its appeal for the AQC to direct the other states to implement the bio-decomposer technique. The CM said that he hopes this is the last year when the farmers and the people of these states have to suffer due to stubble burning. 

CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "It is Diwali tomorrow. I, along with all the cabinet ministers, will perform Lakshmi Pooja at Akshardham Temple from 7:39 PM. The pooja will be broadcasted live on various TV channels. Pandit Ji will chant the mantras in the temple, and you may chant the same mantras at home along with the telecast. I believe that when the two crore people of Delhi come together to perform the Lakshmi pooja, they will generate good vibes and positive energy across the capital." 

"Corona is rising. I am worried because of the situation. The Delhi government will take several preventive measures in the coming days to control the situation. I hope in 7-10 days, the number of cases should decline and the situation should come under control," added the CM.