Haryana achieves over 60% dip in stubble burning incidents
The Haryana Government’s stringent measures against stubble burning have led to a significant reduction in farm fires, with incidents declining by over 60% since 2021. In the critical five weeks of September and October, the state recorded 680 active fire locations (AFLs), compared to 1,726 in 2021. For the first time, Haryana has also reported fewer incidents than Uttar Pradesh, which experienced 808 farm fires, while Punjab recorded 1,638 AFLs, a 73% decrease from 2021 when 6,058 incidents were reported.
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This year, Haryana has taken unprecedented steps, arresting 13 farmers in 93 FIRs statewide and marking 380 red entries against errant farmers. Additionally, departmental proceedings have been initiated against 420 officials, a notable increase from previous years.
Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad represented Haryana in the Supreme Court during a hearing concerning stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, where he outlined the penalties and incentives in place for farmers based on compliance with the law.
From September 15 to October 23, Haryana recorded only two incidents on October 21, 10 on October 22, and 15 on October 23, leading to a total of 680 AFLs, with the highest numbers in Kaithal (129), Kurukshetra (98), and Ambala (74). In comparison, the state witnessed 1,560 incidents in 2020, 1,726 in 2021, and 1,110 in 2022. Year-over-year, reductions of around 36% in 2022, 33% in 2023, and 8.5% this year reflect the effectiveness of the measures implemented.
As of October 21, 328 farmers have been challaned, resulting in penalties totaling Rs 8.35 lakh. Kaithal reported the highest fines, with 62 farmers fined Rs 1.60 lakh, followed by Kurukshetra with 58 farmers fined Rs 1.45 lakh, and 40 farmers in Karnal fined Rs 1.10 lakh.
Haryana also claimed that over 35% of reported AFLs, identified via satellite, were not located upon verification.
In stark contrast to previous years, when only nine FIRs were registered in 2021, five in 2022, the state registered 198 FIRs in 2023, resulting in nine convictions. But no arrests were made. This year, for the first time, 13 arrests have been made in 93 FIRs.
Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana said, “If the Supreme Court is strict, we have to be strict too. However, farm fires are few this time. Delhi’s air pollution is due to several other factors.”
No red entries have been made against farmers in previous years. However, this year, 380 red entries have been made which restrict farmers from selling their crops in the mandis through the e-kharid portal for the next two seasons.
The Haryana Government had suspended just four officials in 2021, nil in 2022, and three in 2023 regarding lapses in stubble burning incidents. This year, 24 Agriculture Department officials and two from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) have been suspended, with 11 officials facing chargesheets and 383 others issued show-cause notices. A total of 420 officials are facing departmental action, significantly up from previous years.
