Sirsa’s poor air quality sparks urgent call for crop residue mgmt

With an AQI index of 133 on Monday, the air quality in Sirsa has been recorded as poor, raising alarm about the ongoing issue of straw burning in the region. In the light of this, the local authorities are intensifying efforts to educate farmers on the importance of managing crop residue effectively rather than resorting to burning.

In recent awareness camps held in Sirsa and Dabwali, SDMs Rajendra Kumar and Arpit Sanghal addressed farmers, urging them to consider the harmful effects of burning straw. During a camp in Jodhkan, SDM Kumar highlighted that burning crop waste not only contributes to air pollution but also harms soil health.

“This practice poses serious health risks, especially to children and the elderly, as the smoke can lead to diseases like asthma and cancer,” he warned the farmers.

Kumar encouraged farmers to take advantage of the financial assistance provided by the state government to support effective crop residue management.

“Many farmers are already benefiting from managing their straw. Others should follow their example and realise that proper management can also be a source of additional income,” he said.

In Dabwali, SDM Sanghal echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for sustainable practices. He reassured farmers that government grants are available to help them manage their crop residue without difficulty. “By adopting these practices, farmers can not only reduce pollution but also enhance their income,” he added.