Seven districts of Malwa reeling under thick smog
to 39% of these incidents.
As per PRSC’S figures, the farm fires between September 23 and October 31 were higher than the previous season when 17,646 cases were detected in all 22 districts.
On Thursday, Ferozepur reported the highest number of fires at 290 cases whereas from September 23 onwards this district located on the India-pakistan border reported 2,559 instances of stubble burning.
Most part of the Malwa belt experienced hazy environmental conditions caused by smog on the second consecutive day on Friday.
Various farmer associations in the state have supported stubble burning pleading that paddy growers are not being suitably compensated for disposal of crop residue.
Agriculture department director Sutantar Kumar Airi told HT on Friday that district authorities have been instructed to lodge first information reports (FIRS) against the erring farmers.
“The state government made concerted efforts to sensitise farmers against ill-effects of the burning of crop waste. We feel sorry that a section of farmers and farmer unions defied rules and compromised public health. The state government has taken it seriously and strict legal action will be taken against those vilating rules,” said Airi.
He said about 250 FIRS have been lodged in various districts and environment compensation will be recovered from the erring farmers.
District authorities have started issuing challans but recovery of environment compensation or fine is yet to begin.
Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) assistant environment engineer Ravideep Singla said serving and retired government employees will be liable for departmental action if stubble burning is reported on their land.
Prof VK Garg of the department of environmental science and technology of Bathindabased Central University of Punjab said the ongoing climatic condition is prone to respiratory problems among the elderly, children and asthmatic patients.
“The current situation will subside considerably after rains or winds,” he adds.