'Will undertake comprehensive strategy to curb stubble burning': Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal

LUDHIANA: Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal stated on Wednesday that the district administration will take a comprehensive approach to address the issue of stubble burning.

"This will involve effectively managing crop residues through in-situ and ex-situ management, as well as conducting a widespread awareness campaign in the villages," said an official statement.

During a meeting to assess the readiness for preventing and controlling paddy stubble burning in 2024, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the administration has already made "intensive plans" to manage approximately 16.53 lakh MT of paddy stubble this season. "Of this, 12.69 lakh MT of stubble will be managed through in-situ methods and 3.32 lakh MT through ex-situ management. The remaining stubble will be utilized in brick kilns, boilers, and other initiatives, including its use as fodder."

Jorwal also stated that 8,978 machines, including balers, rakes, super seeders, smart seeders, surface seeders, zero drills, RMB ploughs, mulchers, straw choppers, super SMS, crop reapers, rotary slashers, and tractors, have been provided to farmers through custom hiring centers, societies, and groups. The administration has also appointed 211 nodal officers, and 90 cluster officers will closely monitor their respective areas to prevent stubble burning.

The Deputy Commissioner added that the administration has identified 30 hotspots, and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of the concerned areas have been instructed to closely supervise the work of nodal officers and cluster coordinators to ensure zero stubble burning. He emphasized that an ongoing awareness campaign is urging farmers to refrain from stubble burning, which is harmful to the environment and human health.