Breather for district as stubble burning incidents see 67% fall

Ludhiana: There has been almost 67% fall in stubble burning incidents in the ongoing wheat harvesting season in the district as compared to last year. The authorities attribute the fall to rising awareness among farmers.
According to the data provided by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the number of active fire incidents (Rabi season) between April 1 to May 9 was 239 against 722 reported in the corresponding period last year. The report, based on satellite data (collected by remote sensing department), revealed that on May 9, the number of active fire incidents in Ludhiana was 12 in 2023, 41 in 2022 and 16 in 2021.

Ludhiana district was at eight spot among the districts in state. Sangrur reported the highest 518 incidents of stubble burning. Ropar had just 3 such incidents in the ongoing Rabi season which is lowest for any district of the state.
PPCB authorities say that fall in the stubble burning is a positive sign.
Samita Sodhi, nodal officer of PPCB for stubble burning cases, said regular awareness camps by the agriculture department and routine area visits by teams has helped check the numbers. She said the deputy commissioner had held meetings on a weekly basis since last month with all the departments on the subject.
Meanwhile, progressive farmers say that stubble burning may pick up in coming time.
“Because of recent weather, the harvesting of wheat got delayed due to which less number of farmers have burnt the stubble. But due to rise in awareness levels among farmers, there is Self realisation among them that stubble burning results in health related issues to them as well and causes damage to the soil. Many farmers sell the wheat stubble as it is used a fodder and they get Rs.500 to 600 per quintal. The stubble is also used by industry for power generation,” said Sukhjit Singh, a progressive farmer from Diwala village near Khanna, who has spoken against stubble burning in many national and international conferences.
Meanwhile, green activists say that the government should play a pro-active role in checking stubble burning incidents.
“The burning of stubble is costlier for a farmer than transporting it as he has to spend on health-related issues of his family due to pollution. Though the problem has been checked to large extent, it can be minimised further. The government has a role as it can help get the stubble lifted from the fields of farmers and it can promote self-help groups which can make mats, curtains and other products from it. These products have market across the country”, said Dr Amandeep Bains, founder of RBS (Rajguru, Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev) Roots which works on various issues including environment issues.