Beyond Blame: PPCB Chief Reena Gupta Demands National Action on Smog, Backs Farmers

In a powerful and candid interview, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairperson Reena Gupta has unequivocally shifted the conversation around air pollution from farmer blame to the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy. Her message is clear: finger-pointing at farmers for stubble burning is not just ineffective, but also deeply misguided when tackling the complex issue of smog that chokes northern India every winter.

Gupta emphasizes that stubble burning is merely a symptom of a larger systemic problem, and the solution lies not in penalizing already struggling farmers, but in providing viable, economic alternatives for crop residue management.

She passionately advocates for a shift from punitive measures to supportive policies, urging for a national framework that offers incentives for sustainable agricultural practices and facilitates the adoption of advanced machinery for in-situ and ex-situ stubble management.

The PPCB chief highlighted the critical role of inter-state cooperation, stressing that air pollution respects no administrative boundaries.

She called for a unified approach involving Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Region to develop and implement long-term solutions. This includes not only agricultural reforms but also tackling industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and construction dust, which are equally significant contributors to the regional air quality crisis.

Gupta’s vision extends beyond immediate fixes, pushing for a future where farmers are empowered to be part of the solution rather than being branded as the problem.

She suggests robust research and development into new uses for crop residue, such as biofuel production or as raw material for industries, thereby creating an economic incentive for farmers to move away from burning. The PPCB, under her leadership, is actively working on proposals to accelerate these transitions and ensure that policy decisions are grounded in scientific evidence and community needs.

Ultimately, Reena Gupta's stance is a rallying cry for collective responsibility and proactive governance.

She firmly believes that with a coordinated national plan, adequate financial support, and a collaborative spirit among states, the challenge of smog can be overcome, ensuring cleaner air for all and a more sustainable future for agriculture.