Crackdown on farm fires: Six officials prosecuted for negligence in Ambala

The Ambala administration has launched prosecution against six government officials for alleged negligence in controlling farm fires in the district. Those facing prosecution include two Block Agriculture Officers (BAOs), two SHOs, a Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), and a Tehsildar.

As of November 5, 87 active fire locations (including those reported by HARSAC and others) were noted, with stubble burning confirmed at 47 locations and no active fires found at the remaining 40.

The administration imposed an environmental compensation charge (ECC) totalling Rs 1.07 lakh on 35 farmers for burning paddy stubble, registered five FIRs, and marked 42 red entries in the farm records of the offenders.

42 red entries marked

• As of November 5, 87 active fire locations were noted, with stubble burning confirmed at 47 locations and no active fires found at the remaining 40
• The administration imposed an environmental compensation charge totalling Rs 1.07 lakh on 35 farmers for burning paddy stubble, registered five FIRs, and marked 42 red entries

"Prosecution has been launched in the courts by the Sub-divisional Magistrates (SDMs) concerned against officials in their respective areas for negligence, after multiple farm fires were reported," said Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) Ambala, Dr Jasvinder Singh. "Two officials each are from Naraingarh and Barara, while one each is from Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment. Earlier, three officials from the Agriculture Department were suspended for similar reasons."

Clear instructions were given to officials to monitor their areas closely, discourage farmers from burning stubble, and prevent farm fires this season. Despite these orders, stubble burning persisted. Dr Singh added, "Action has also been taken against farmers by registering FIRs and marking red entries. Farmers are being urged to adopt crop residue management (CRM), with a government incentive of Rs 1,000 per acre for those who do."

Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ambala Cantonment Satinder Siwach said, "One prosecution has been launched from Ambala Cantonment. The Supreme Court has taken serious note of the deteriorating air quality, and strict orders were issued to curb farm fires. While action has been taken against violating farmers, officials have also faced prosecution for negligence. A complete report will be sent to higher authorities for further action."

The Agriculture Department, along with other officials, is actively visiting paddy fields to encourage farmers and reduce farm fires, according to officials.