In a resolute move to tackle the persistent issue of stubble burning during the Kharif season this year, Punjab Government has unleashed a formidable strategy — ranging from strict punishments to rewards besides deploying an army of dedicated nodal officers, among other steps.

To deter the farmers from the harmful practice of burning their crop residues, the Government has deployed a team of 776 dedicated nodal officers across the State. Furthermore, as a part of its drive to promote responsible farming practices, the Government has announced that farmers who opt for eco-friendly alternatives to stubble burning will be publicly acknowledged and honored.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Punjab Government has entrusted the Air Quality Management Commission with the task of formulating an action plan to curb stubble burning incidents this year. The action plan sets an ambitious target of reducing stubble burning cases by more than 50 per cent compared to the previous year. To achieve this monumental goal, a staggering 1,17,672 Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) machines will replace the age-old practice of stubble burning in Punjab’s fields.

It is crucial to highlight that the Kharif season commenced on September 15, and within a mere 16 days, approximately 342 cases of stubble burning have already been reported. In stark contrast to the previous years, this season has witnessed a troubling surge in stubble burning incidents. The majority of these cases were reported between September 15 and October 1.

In a significant departure from the past two years, this year has witnessed a substantial increase in stubble burning incidents up to October 1, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Punjab Government's proactive measures, including the deployment of nodal officers and the promotion of eco-friendly Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, are expected to play a pivotal role in reducing stubble burning incidents and mitigating the associated environmental and health hazards. With these concerted efforts, the government aims to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the people of Punjab and surrounding regions during this year's rice harvesting season.

Stubble Burning Incidences Surges in Punjab

Stubble burning in Punjab is rapidly escalating, with over 100 cases reported in a single day for two consecutive days. As of Monday, the tally has reached 456 cases, surpassing the numbers from the past two years. Amritsar leads the way with the highest number of cases, followed by Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Mohali. Stubble burning has now spread to 13 out of the 23 districts in Punjab.

Crop residue burning has become a pressing concern in Punjab, with 119 cases reported on Monday alone. This season's crop residue burning cases have already surpassed the totals from the previous two years. Out of the 119 cases reported on Monday, a staggering 73 occurred in the border district of Amritsar, which continues to be the epicenter of stubble burning cases. Out of the total 456 cases this season, 333 have been reported exclusively in Amritsar. As of now, crop residue burning has spread to 13 districts across Punjab.

In comparison, by the same date last year, there were 83 crop residue burning cases in the ongoing season, while no cases were reported in 2021. Cumulatively, this season has seen 456 cases, in contrast to 275 in 2022 and 228 in 2021, all by the same date.

Stubble Burning Ban in Jalandhar

In a decisive move, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Vishesh Sarangal has imposed a ban on the burning of paddy stubble within the jurisdiction of the district. This action, exercised under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, comes in response to the harmful consequences of stubble burning on human health and the environment.

The District Magistrate emphasized that stubble burning results in the emission of several poisonous gases, which pose a significant threat to human well-being and environmental quality. Additionally, the practice has irreversible adverse effects on soil texture and depletes essential soil nutrients. Furthermore, the thick smog generated by stubble burning hampers traffic flow and increases the risk of road accidents.

The ban will remain in effect until November 30, 2023, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the issue of stubble burning in Punjab.