24 farmers held for stubble burning in Kurukshetra

As many as 24 farmers were arrested for setting paddy straw on fire in Kurukshetra. They were later released on bail.

As per information, 93 incidents of farm fire were reported through Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC) and other sources. Of this, fire was verified on 65 locations.

Taking action against the offenders, the police registered 62 FIRs against the farmers in the district. The Agriculture Department also imposed environment compensation charges (ECC) of Rs 1.50 lakh on 60 farmers. Additionally 59 red entries have been made against the offending farmers.

A spokesperson for the Kurukshetra Police said as many as 62 FIRs had been registered against farmers at various police stations. The police arrested 24 farmers and later released them on bail.

Of 62 FIRs, 11 cases have been registered under the jurisdiction of the Shahabad police station, 10 in Ladwa, nine in Babain, eight in Thanesar Sadar area, seven under the jurisdiction of the KUK police station, six in Jhansa, five in Pehowa Sadar area, four in Ismailabad and two in the jurisdiction of the Krishna Gate police station.

Of the total arrests, five farmers each were nabbed in Jhansa and Pehowa Sadar area, four were arrested in Ladwa, three each in KUK and Ismailabad and two each in Babain and Thanesar Sadar area.

Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) Dr Karam Chand said: “Following the directions of the higher authorities, strict action is being taken against the farmers who burn paddy straw. The farmers should take benefits of government incentives and manage paddy straw instead of burning it. Nearly 90 per cent harvesting has been completed in the district and the remaining crop will be harvested in a week. Efforts are being made to reduce the farm fires in Kurukshetra.”

Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) has condemned the action against the farmers.

Rakesh Bains, spokesperson for the BKU (Charuni), said: “Farmers are forced to burn crop residue due to lack of equipment and facilities. Instead of taking action and creating pressure on farmers, the government should use its machinery to manage paddy straw. The government should increase incentives and provide adequate equipment to help the farmers.”