Ferozepur, November 3, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Dipshikha Sharma has suspended five district employees in Ferozepur for failing to prevent stubble burning by farmers, a serious issue impacting air quality across Punjab.
The action comes amid a surge in stubble-burning incidents as the state battles its annual air pollution crisis.
In Ferozepur alone, authorities have registered 296 stubble-burning cases, marking 172 farmers for repeat offenses.
“This suspension underscores our commitment to curbing stubble burning and ensuring responsible enforcement,” said DC Sharma in a statement.
Statewide, from September 15 to November 1, Punjab has recorded 3,357 stubble-burning cases.
Last Friday saw 587 new incidents, including 70 cases in Ferozepur, 59 in Tarn Taran, and 40 in Amritsar, indicating the widespread challenge faced by local administrations.
The suspended employees reportedly failed to act on their responsibility to intervene in stubble-burning cases, prompting Sharma’s decisive move to address lapses in enforcement efforts.
Further disciplinary measures may be considered if the violations persist, officials said.
