To ensure that all arrangements are in place for smooth and efficient procurement, Haryana Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad on Thursday directed all Administrative Secretaries to personally oversee the ongoing procurement of paddy and millet in the state mandis. He said that the Administrative Secretaries have been asked to visit mandis on Friday to ensure that all arrangements are in place.
Presiding over a virtual review meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners regarding kharif crops procurement, stubble burning, and the production and sale of firecrackers, Prasad directed the officers to ensure transparency and efficiency in the procurement processes across all mandis in the state. He asked the officers to check the essential facilities such as weighing machines, moisture measuring equipment, transportation, and storage to be fully operational. Furthermore, he directed them to interact with farmers and address any concerns they might have regarding the procurement process. He called on Deputy Commissioners to expedite the lifting of paddy arrived in mandis, as the volume of arrivals is expected to increase in the coming week.
Prasad also extended his congratulations to all Deputy Commissioners and other administrative officers for their commendable efforts in ensuring a transparent, fair, and smoothly conducted assembly election process.
In light of the ongoing issue of stubble burning and its impact on air quality, Prasad directed Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners to take immediate action to monitor and control incidents of stubble burning across the state. He urged them to utilize satellite data and ground reports to actively track fire incidents and work closely with relevant departments such as agriculture and pollution control boards to respond swiftly.
He further stressed the need for effective outreach programs to educate farmers on the harmful effects of stubble burning, urging district authorities to promote eco-friendly crop residue management techniques and government subsidies for equipment like super seeders and happy seeders. While strict enforcement measures against violators are necessary, Dr. Prasad emphasized a focus on preventive action through collaboration with the farming community.
Ahead of the festival season, Prasad instructed district authorities to enforce a strict ban on the production, sale, and use of firecrackers containing harmful barium salts. In compliance with state and national pollution control measures, only eco-friendly, green firecrackers are to be allowed.
Nodal officers should be appointed in each district to monitor the manufacturing, sale, and storage of firecrackers. These officers will work closely with law enforcement agencies to conduct raids on illegal manufacturing units and sales outlets violating the ban. Public awareness campaigns must be launched to inform citizens about the environmental and health benefits of green firecrackers, he added.
