Punjab News: Punjab has witnessed a remarkable 72% drop in stubble burning incidents this year, thanks to the Punjab Government’s intensified measures under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The state’s focus on curbing farm fires has led to significant progress in promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing air pollution.
Government Initiatives Lead to Greener Farming
Key initiatives, such as providing farmers with eco-friendly tools like happy seeders and tillers, have empowered them to manage farm residue more sustainably. Additionally, the state government has imposed fines and taken strict action against violators to deter stubble burning.
Notable actions include:
- ₹1.85 lakh imposed in environmental fines (₹1.7 lakh recovered)
- 50 “red entries” marked against farmers, restricting their access to loans, land sales, and gun licenses
- Six FIRs filed against offenders
Sharp Decline in Farm Fire Cases
Punjab has reported a significantly low number of farm fire incidents, with just nine cases on October 4—eight in Amritsar and one in Patiala. The state had seen 26 incidents on October 1, 16 on October 2, and eight on October 3, indicating a steady decline.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has intensified its efforts since September 15, targeting 16 hotspot districts and 663 villages identified for high stubble-burning activity. These include major regions like Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Tarn Taran. Last year, these areas accounted for 64% of the total farm fire cases in the state.
Significant Year-over-Year Reduction
Between September 15 and October 4, 2024, Punjab recorded 188 stubble burning incidents, a sharp reduction from the 656 cases reported during the same period in 2023. The PPCB’s continued monitoring and strict enforcement have played a pivotal role in achieving this decline.
This substantial progress in reducing stubble burning reflects the state’s commitment to promoting cleaner and more sustainable agricultural practices while combating air pollution.
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