Ensure strict vigil to stop stubble-burning, depts told

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 10

Almost 200 incidents of stubble burning were reported within two weeks of the start of paddy procurement.

The details were presented at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan. Total 1,791 cases of stubble burning have been reported till October 8. Environment compensation has been imposed in 499 cases, red entries have been made in land record in 320 cases, six cases have been registered under the Air Act, 1981, and three FIRs have also been filed against violators.

The Chief Secretary today asked the departments concerned to ensure strict monitoring to eradicate the stubble burning menace.

She stressed that no combine harvester should be allowed to run without the Super SMS and legal action should be initiated immediately in case of any violation as this trend would further exacerbate the Covid-19 situations.

She said many panchayats had already joined hands with the state by passing resolutions against stubble burning, but the target of zero stubble burning would only be achieved when all panchayats would pledge to shun this practice.

The Chief Secretary asked Deputy Commissioners to impress upon the remaining panchayats to come forward to end the menace.