First case of stubble burning in Kaithal district reported; FIR registered

The first case of stubble burning in Kaithal district this season has been reported from Devban village, officials said on Thurssday. The incident was detected through the Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC) monitoring system.

Following detection, the administration registered an FIR, imposed a fine of Rs 5,000, and made a red entry in the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal, said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti.

“We have taken a strict stance against stubble burning, and an FIR has been registered after finding the first case of the season,” said the DC.

Urging farmers to adopt scientific stubble management practices, the DC said burning crop residue damages both the environment and soil fertility.

“Burning crop residue not only pollutes the environment but also weakens soil fertility. Farmers should make use of available schemes and machinery for effective residue management,” she added.

Sharing comparative data, Preeti said 95 cases of stubble burning were recorded in the district during the same period last year, while this year, the number has remained negligible so far. The administration, she said, is maintaining strict vigilance, and officials are visiting villages to raise awareness on sustainable residue management.

Dr Surender Kumar Yadav, Deputy Director, Agriculture, said there had been a significant decline in farm fire cases this year.

“Teams at both administrative and village levels are working in close coordination to ensure compliance and awareness. Farmers are being educated about the benefits of in situ and ex situ residue management,” he said.

He said the district currently has 350 balers and about 5,000 machines, including super seeders, mulchers and straw cutters, deployed for crop residue management. Of the 1,250 new machines approved under the subsidy scheme this year, 745 have already been purchased, while the remaining farmers have been urged to complete their purchases and submit bills.

Dr Yadav also informed that 418 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) are operational across the district, providing equipment to small and marginal farmers for residue management at affordable rates.

Reiterating her appeal, DC Preeti said: “Our focus is on awareness, prevention and enforcement. Farmers should cooperate with the administration and contribute to maintaining clean air and healthy soil. Strict action will be taken against anyone found burning stubble.”