With 173 cases, Karnal struggles to put an end to stubble burning
Despite registration of FIRs and imposition of fine on erring farmers, a complete check on stubble burning remains a challenge for the Karnal administration.
As per information, incidents of stubble burning are still being reported in the region with many farmers reportedly burning paddy straw at night.
Even, the protests by the farmer unions against government’s action against farmers, has resulted in an increase in incidents of stubble burning in the state.
Sources in the state pollution control board said that about 100 incidents of stubble burning are being reported every day in the state.
Talking to Hindustan Times, S Narayanan, member secretary of Haryana Pollution Control Board said, “As of now, we have detected about 430 cases of stubble burning in the state with Karnal recording the highest number with 173 cases so far.”
About FIRs being registered against erring farmers, he said that more steps are being taken to encourage farmers to shun the practice.
The member secretary, however, added that this year, they are expecting a 70% dip in the pollution levels as compared to last year.
When contacted Pradeep Kumar Meel, deputy director (agriculture) of Karnal, said that action is being taken as per the guidelines and so far 173 FIRs have been registered against farmers in the district so far.
On, why Karnal has the highest number of cases of stubble burning, he said that Karnal has highest area under paddy in the state but the department was working to spread awareness among the farmers.
Similarly, incidents of stubble burning are also on the rise in Kurukshetra district with about 162 cases being reported. Deputy director (agriculture) Karam Chand said that 162 cases have been detected in Kurukshetra and a fine of ₹1.35 lakh has been recovered from erring farmers but no FIR has been registered so far.
When asked why the authorities have failed to check stubble burning he said that there are several alternatives but farmers are not showing interest in those and it will take some time to make them aware about the latest technologies and equipment that have been developed to deal with paddy straw.
THE DISTRICT HAS RECORDED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF STUBBLE BURNING CASES