By A Staff Reporter — Bathinda, Punjab: With stubble burning posing ongoing environmental challenges, Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmad Pare provided an update on the administration’s efforts to address the issue. Speaking from Bathinda, he shared that the number of stubble burning cases this season has dropped to 76, a significant decrease from last year’s 190 reported cases. However, out of these 76 cases, 25 incidents involved deliberate setting of fires, prompting the administration to register FIRs and impose environmental compensation on those responsible.
In a proactive step to support farmers and discourage stubble burning, Pare emphasized the region’s commitment to facilitating alternative methods of stubble management. He outlined plans to acquire around 5 lakh metric tonnes of stubble, which will be repurposed in local industries, a measure aimed at providing farmers with viable alternatives to burning. This initiative is part of a larger effort to build sustainable stubble utilization, ultimately reducing the need for farmers to resort to burning their crop residues.
To ensure compliance, nearly 100 flying squads are patrolling approximately 250 villages in the district, monitoring and reporting stubble burning activities. "We’re committed to providing solutions that make it feasible for farmers to manage stubble without burning it," Pare said, stressing that the goal is not only to penalize but also to provide effective alternatives.
By implementing stricter monitoring, levying penalties, and promoting industrial reuse of stubble, Bathinda’s administration aims to reduce air pollution and create a more sustainable approach to post-harvest crop management.
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