– Farmers’ support brought stubble-burning cases below 500 last year
– More machinery, disposal facilities added this year
– Administration appeals for united effort to protect environment
Patiala, September 17:
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav has urged farmers of Patiala district to extend full cooperation in stubble management as they had during the recent floods. She said farmers could make a valuable contribution to protecting the environment and public health by adopting in-situ and ex-situ techniques instead of setting crop residue on fire.
Chairing a meeting with SSP Varun Sharma, SDMs, DSPs, and other senior officials at the District Administrative Complex, Dr. Yadav directed officers to intensify grassroots outreach. She asked SDMs to hold regular interactions with farmers, spread awareness, and ensure full utilization of machinery available for stubble management.
Dr. Yadav highlighted that Patiala, once considered a hotspot for stubble burning, witnessed fewer than 500 cases last year owing to farmers’ cooperation. OPD data also showed a reduction in respiratory ailments among children and the elderly, reflecting the positive impact of reduced farm fires.
The DC informed that additional machinery had been provided this year, along with increased capacity in industries engaged in stubble disposal, which would further help prevent stubble-burning incidents. Duties of officials from concerned departments have already been assigned to make machinery available on time and to assist farmers.
Appealing to the farming community, Dr. Yadav said: “The administration has made robust arrangements for stubble management. I request farmers not to burn stubble but to incorporate it into the soil to enhance fertility. Just as the people of Patiala stood together during the floods, they must now support this campaign to safeguard the environment for future generations.”
SP Vaibhav Chaudhary, ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon, ADC (General) Simarpreet Kaur, ADC (Rural Development) Amarinder Singh Tiwana, SDM Harjeet Kaur, and other officials attended the meeting.
