Standing wheat crop on 15 acres gutted in Bathinda village

Bathinda, April 13

Wheat crop on around 15 acres was destroyed in a fire that broke out at Behman Diwana village in Bathinda on Wednesday.

The crop allegedly caught fire following a short-circuit in a low-hanging high-tension wire. Farmers have sought compensation for the crop loss.

Villager Bindu Singh, whose combine harvester was also burnt in the fire, said, “I was using combine harvester to cut crop when a low-hanging wire led to sparks and the crop caught fire. Wheat crop on around 10 acres cultivated by Harnek Singh and five acres belonging to Malkiat Singh was reduced to ashes.”

Villagers immediately rushed to the fields and tried to put out the flames. Fire brigade also reached the spot thereafter. Combine harvester owner Bindu and villagers alleged the crop caught fire due to the negligence of the power department.

They said the district administration should provide adequate compensation to those who suffered loss due to the fire.