Rs878-cr plan to curb farm fires: CS

Chandigarh, July 2

To free the agrarian state of the stubble-burning menace, the Punjab Government has come out with an action plan involving an expenditure of Rs 878 crore, of which the first instalment of Rs 235 crore has already been sanctioned.

Besides, 11 biomass power projects of 97.5 MW capacity have been set up and 23 compressed biogas (CBG) projects have also been allotted for ex situ management in the state.

Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan shared the initiatives taken by the state on the stubble management front with the Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR and adjoining areas on Friday. The meeting was held to deliberate on the measures to prevent and control stubble burning in the state.

Commission chairman MM Kutty appreciated the Punjab Government for preparing an action plan to tackle stubble burning as per its directions, having components of in situ and ex situ crop residue management.

The Chief Secretary apprised the commission that Punjab was taking several initiatives and was working proactively to control the practice of paddy residue burning. — TNS