Sirsa, Oct 16 Police have registered the first case against a farmer in Haryana’s Sirsa district this season for allegedly burning paddy stubble, officials said on Friday.
The case was registered at Baragudha police station on a complaint by environmental officer Hari Prasad against Chandrapal, son of Malkit Singh, for allegedly burning stubble on 12 kanals of agricultural land in Rughuwana village.
Baragudha Station House Officer (SHO) Labh Singh confirmed the registration of the case, adding that the police were investigating the matter. Further action would be taken based on the findings, he said.
Sirsa is one of Haryana’s major paddy-growing districts, with a large area under cultivation.
Farmers often burn crop residue after harvesting paddy to clear fields for the next crop.
The state government and agriculture department have introduced various schemes to encourage farmers to avoid stubble burning and adopt proper crop residue management practices.
Paddy straw is also transported to neighbouring Rajasthan, where it is used as fodder for cattle in cowsheds (gaushalas) and other livestock facilities.
However, heavy fines imposed on vehicles transporting stubble have reportedly discouraged some transporters, affecting its timely movement and adding to farmers’ difficulties in managing crop residue.
The district administration has stepped up monitoring to prevent stubble burning incidents and is taking action against those violating the rules.
Burning paddy residue contributes to air pollution and adversely affects soil fertility. The administration is urging farmers to adopt alternative methods of crop residue management.
(PTI News)
