Despite ban, stubble burning goes on unabated in Muktsar

Vans hired for awareness drive

• Fatehgarh Sahib: The administration has hired vans to educate farmers about the decision of the National Green Tribunal regarding burning of wheat and paddy stubble. DC Kamaldeep Singh Sangha said that SDMs have been directed to involve officers of pollution boards, agriculture department, local bodies and NGOs to create awareness about the impacts of burning of stubble burning. The NGT has banned stubble burning as it pollutes the environment and endangers the life of birds and animals. Hesaid those violating the orders would be fined.

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, May 5

Despite a ban on stubble burning, the illegal practice continues unabated in the district.

The police have so far booked only seven farmers for burning wheat stubble.

SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill said, “I have directed all the SHOs to book farmers burning wheat stubble in their fields. So far, seven cases have been registered.”

However, while travelling on any major or link road in the district, one comes across a large number of fields covered in ash due to stubble burn.

The rampant violation has claimed the life of Sohan Singh (45) and his son Gurpreet Singh (18), who worked as farm labourers when they were charred to death when a farmer of Bhangchari village set the stubble afire in his fields.

Activists of the Khet Mazdoor Union and the deceased’s kin are seeking a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin and a government job for the families.

They are also demanding the registration of a case under Section 304 of the IPC instead of Section 304-A of the IPC against the Iqbal Singh, who along with his sons Kulwinder and Gurdas has been arrested for stubble burning.

The police today added the relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the case.

Lachman Singh Sewewala, general secretary of the union, said said, “The administration reneged from its assurance. The ADC had promised Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh compensation from the Agriculture Department and a government job for the family. Today he refused to give a permanent job, saying that it can be provided only for a year,” he added.

Courtesy: The Tribune