Wheat harvesting through combines at night banned in Kapurthala district

In a bid to ensure public safety and environmental protection, Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Amit Kumar Panchal has issued orders prohibiting the use of combine harvesters for wheat harvesting in the district between 7 pm and 6 am. The directive has been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

According to the official statement, the use of combine harvesters will only be permitted if these machines are equipped with super straw management system (Super SMS) to prevent the uncontrolled spread of stubble. Harvester owners have been strictly instructed not to operate their machines without the Super SMS system.

In a related move, the District Magistrate also imposed a complete ban on burning of wheat stubble, straw and residue within the boundaries of Kapurthala district. These restrictions aim to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable farming practices. Both orders will remain in effect until June 2.