PATNA: Chief minister ( CM Nitish Kumar , who chaired the third phase of the fifth meeting of the governing body of Bihar Vikas Mission (BVM) on Thursday, issued several directives to curb air and noise pollution in the state.The CM asked officials of the agriculture department to stop farmers from burning crop stubble. “Farmers in Nalanda and Patna districts burn crop stubble after harvests, thereby aggravating air pollution. This practice should be stopped at any cost. Air pollution scenario has worsened in Delhi due to burning of crop stubble by farmers in Punjab and Haryana. A campaign should be started in the state to spread awareness on the issue,” Nitish said.Three major cities of state – Patna, Muzaffarpur and Gaya – are facing high level of air pollution. Even on Thursday, the air quality index (AQI) of Patna was measured at 394, putting it into ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, severe air quality can lead to respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.The CM also asked the principal secretary of agriculture department to spread awareness among farmers to make changes in the crop cycle as per changing climatic conditions.Speaking on the issue of noise pollution, Nitish asked officials of the forests, environment and climate change department to ensure removal of hooters and siren from all vehicles, except ambulances.“People often honk horns of their vehicles unnecessarily. The transport department should initiate steps to prevent needless honking,” the CM said.The CM asked officials of the animal husbandry and fisheries department to promote use of cow dung and urine for organic farming. He told the officials to shift stray cattle to cow shelters.The CM also asked the officials of the cooperative department to set up cooperative societies for preventing vegetables from getting wasted.

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