Patiala launches initiative to curb farm fires

In an effort to combat air pollution and promote sustainable agricultural practices, the Patiala administration has launched the ‘Satth ch Gall ate Hall’ (discussion and solution at the community gathering) programme. The initiative aims to mobilise farmers across the district by educating them on eco-friendly techniques of managing crop residue.

‘Pind Di Satth’ is a common meeting point, usually a circled cemented floor underneath a banyan tree, for residents of all ages of villages to discuss politics and various social issues. The administration is set to target these ‘Satths’ in view of the rise in cases of farm fires. The district has witnessed 212 farm fires so far.

As part of this programme, the Deputy Commissioner, Dr Preeti Yadav, said officials had begun conducting awareness events for farmers at various community gatherings (pind di satth) throughout the district. She said the sessions, organised from 7 am to 8 am and 6 pm to 7 pm, provide farmers with insights into in-situ and ex-situ techniques to manage stubble with a focus on sustainable alternatives to stubble burning. She added officials visit central village locations and religious centres to foster an accessible platform for farmers to learn.

Dr Yadav has said the district administration has also set up a call centre wherein they reach out to about 63,000 farmers in the district who either have already harvested their paddy or are set to do it in some days.

Dr Yadav said, “Through this initiative, we are helping farmers understand the negative impacts of burning stubble. We aim to make stubble management practical and achievable by educating them on effective techniques.”

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development), Anuprita Johal, has been appointed as the programme’s nodal officer to ensure seamless execution and comprehensive outreach across the district. She said a strategic schedule has been developed that would allow officials to visit every village gathering area within the district.

The ADC said announcements on loudspeakers through Gurdwaras and temples are being done to spread awareness about the topic along with meetings with the local panchayats. She said this layered approach to information dissemination underscores the administration’s dedication to reducing air pollution and supporting farmers in adopting eco-friendly practices.