DC conducts surprise checking of farm fire hotspots

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sakshi Sawhney along with departments conducted a surprise checking in areas identified as hotspots of burning crop residue in the district.

The team visited Akalgarh, Bhilowal, Udoke Kalan, Bhoewal and Shapa Ram Singh villages from where maximum number of crop residue burning cases were reported during the ongoing harvesting season.

While interacting with farmers, the DC apprised them of availability of machines for in-situ and ex-situ management of the crop residue. She said farmers could get machinery by making a phone call at help centres set up at the block level.

The team also encouraged farmers who were managing crop residue without burning it. Sawhney said government employees, including Sub-Divisional Magistrates, officials of agriculture and revenue departments, panchayats, firemen and cooperative societies, were visiting agricultural fields and trying to stop farmers from burning stubble.

Sawhney said the number of farm fires had gone down, but such practise had to be stopped completely as it was harmful for the health of humans and animals. The DC said farmers loose beneficial nutrients and friendly pests if they burn crop stubble.