Jalandhar DC reviews preparations to check stubble burning

Jalandhar, July 17

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal today reviewed preparations to curtail stubble burning practices in the district and urged farmers to join hands with the state government to save environment from ill-effects of stubble burning.

Chairing a review meeting at the District Administrative Complex, the DC said several stubble management projects were under pipeline in the district, which would utilise paddy straw, therefore, helping farmers manage crop residue. He directed officials to ensure speedy installations of these units so that they were ready to serve during the paddy season — October and November.

Terming I-KHET mobile app a revolutionary step where farmers could check the availability of machinery at the block level, he said a large number of machines, including super seeder, mulcher, RMB plough, happy seeder, are available which could be viewed through app.

The DC said a multi-pronged strategy ranging from awareness campaigns to action against defaulters would be adopted to curb the practices. He further asked officials to keep close tabs over farm fire incidents by ensuring physical verification in each case.

He directed SDMs to ensure all combine harvester were equipped with Super SMS technique and take action against those not complying with the directions.

The DC also urged all stakeholders to make coordinated efforts in preventive measures to witness significant reduction in such cases. He also asked to carry out awareness drive among farmers. He further announced a ‘Vatavaran De Rakhe’ award for both panchayats and farmers. Similarly, farmers would also get this award along with incentive. Such persons would be honoured on the district-level Republic Day event.