100 villages identified in Moga with highest number of farm fires

To check stubble burning during the upcoming paddy harvesting season, the Moga administration has devised a special strategy. It has identified 100 villages where the highest number of such cases were reported during the last season.

Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal said these villages would be under intense scrutiny and any attempt to burn stubble would invite stern legal action. He said sufficient agricultural machinery was available in the district and farmers could contact the Agriculture Department for assistance.

Sarangal said Lopon village in Nihal Singh Wala subdivision of Moga district witnessed maximum number of farm fires (46) last year, followed by Wandar (45), Himmatpura and Langeana Nawan (43), Bhalur and Saidoke (42), Raunta (40), Buttar and Daudhar Sharki (39) and Rauke Kalan (38). Sarangal said there was no shortage of requisite machinery in villages where these incidents were reported.

The DC said the administration had appointed 22 cluster officers and 334 nodal officers to monitor and prevent stubble-burning incidents. Awareness camps were also being organised to educate farmers about the harmful effects of farm fires.

Residents can report any such incident to the administration, which would take immediate action.