India
Stubble burning in Punjab crosses 5,000 cases amid paddy harvest challenges
Stubble burning cases in Punjab have exceeded 5,000, with Ferozepur leading at 728 cases. Over 1,200 FIRs and fines above 85 lakh rupees have been issued to violators. Despite a long-term drop in numbers, farm fires remain a significant administrative challenge as the paddy harvest nears completion across the state.
'We Need A Separate Ministry To Combat Air Pollution': Dr Sanjeev BagaiSenior consultant pediatrician and Chairman of Nephron Clinic, Professor Dr Sanjeev Bagai, warned that severe air pollution is causing irreparable multi-generational damage to public health in India. He highlighted that ultrafine particulate matter, toxic gases, carcinogens, and micro-nanoplastics penetrate deep into the bloodstream, crossing the blood-brain barrier and damaging DNA chromosomes.
Dr Bagai noted severe health outcomes, including stillbirths, congenital heart defects, childhood leukemia, stunting, and increased cancer risks. He stressed that preconception exposure for prospective parents alters genetic material, impacting future generations.
Calling for urgent policy measures, Dr Bagai asserted: 'We need a separate ministry to combat air pollution.' He demanded an iron-fisted five-year implementation plan led by doctors, scientists, and environmentalists to eliminate road dust, establish no-traffic zones, regulate construction, and improve public transit.