Haryana Battles Rise in Stubble Burning as Harvest Season Begins

The Haryana Story brings you an alarming update on the increasing number of crop residue fires across the state. As paddy harvesting begins, farmers in several districts are resorting to stubble burning, raising concerns about air quality and environmental impact. 

Kaithal Leads in Fire Incidents

According to recent data from the Agriculture Department, Kaithal district has reported the highest number of active fire locations (AFLs) in Haryana. As of yesterday evening, 75 AFLs were recorded in Kaithal alone. The total number of AFLs across the state has reached 468, marking the highest in the past three years.

Most incidents have been reported in the GT Road belt, including Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala, and Yamunanagar districts. Interior regions such as Hisar, Jind, and Fatehabad are also witnessing cases. 

Officials Take Strong Action

In response to the growing number of fires, authorities are intensifying their efforts to curb the practice. The Haryana Pollution Control Board and Agriculture Department are working together to monitor the situation closely. 

An official stated, "Reports of every fire are being collected from the field. Farmers who burn stubble may face challans or even FIRs." 

Actions taken by officials include:

• In Kaithal, a fine of Rs 1,07,500 imposed on 43 farmers
• In Karnal, eight FIRs registered and fines of Rs 97,500 imposed 
• In Kurukshetra, environment compensation charges of Rs 1.12 lakh imposed on 45 farmers, and 11 red entries made in land records.

 Environmental Concerns and Solutions

Dr. Jitender Pal, a professor at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology in Hisar, emphasized the environmental impact of these fires. "Burning paddy residue is a major contributor to environmental pollution," he explained.

To address this issue, the government is promoting alternative straw management techniques. Dr. Karam Chand, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Kurukshetra, shared, "We've provided 747 machines to farmers on 50% subsidy and set up 10 centers for residue management."

The Way Forward

As Haryana grapples with this annual challenge, the focus is on balancing agricultural needs with environmental concerns. Dr. Karam Chand added, "We have prepared a broad action plan to reduce farm fires. There is a bumper crop this year, and we're aiming to keep fire cases below 100."