Stubble burning cases on the rise in Haryana: Report

HISAR: Within just two weeks of the wheat harvest season, Haryana saw a sudden rise in the number stubble burning cases in different districts, as per a detailed study conducted by the Haryana Space Application Centre (HARSAC) located at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University (CCSHAU).

Chief scientist and head of department of Haryana Space Application Centre Dr RS Hooda said, “We were asked to do a detailed study by the pollution control board. The last study on wheat stubble burning was conducted in 2011.”

“We have compiled the data using images of stubble burning from American satellite SUOMI and MODIS. The fire spots increased from April 24,” Hooda added.

The study on stubble burning was conducted from April 1 to May 8 and the detailed report will be submitted to Pollution Control Board and the deputy commissioners concerned of the 20 districts of Haryana.

Interestingly, from April 1 to May 8, a total of 3,944 cases of stubble burning have noticed by the Space Application Centre so far.

Sirsa deputy commissioner (DC) Sharandeep Kaur Brar said, “A total of 74 cases have came to light and we have fined them. We have started the process of recovering the fine amount of ₹2,40 lakh from the farmers. Our teams are keeping a strict eye on stubble burning cases in Sirsa district.”

Meanwhile, RS Hooda said, “Wheat farmers burn stubble very rarely but almost every paddy farmer burns stubble.

The straw of wheat is useful and can also can be used to feed cattle."