Chandigarh, 15 October, 2024: In Kurukshetra, Haryana, over 71 active fire incidents have been reported, with stubble burning confirmed at 49 locations, leading to fines imposed on 45 farmers, according to the agriculture department.
Despite repeated warnings and state government incentives, farmers persist in burning paddy residue, the department noted.
An environmental compensation charge (ECC) of ₹1.12 lakh has been levied against these 45 farmers, and 11 entries marking offenses have been added to their land records.
Moreover, the district administration has issued notices to village officials, including gram sachivs, sarpanches, and nambardars, in Kirmach, Sarai Sukhi, and Bir Sonti, as well as police officials in the respective areas.
With nearly 3 lakh acres devoted to paddy cultivation, approximately 6 lakh tonnes of straw is anticipated to be produced. Dr. Karam Chand, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Kurukshetra, stated,
“The department has prepared a broad action plan to reduce farm fires. There is a bumper crop, and efforts are being made to keep fire cases below 100 this year. We have provided 747 machines to farmers at a 50% subsidy and established 10 centers for residue procurement management,” he added.
