In order to execute anti-stubble burning measures far more efficaciously at grassroots level, the Punjab Government has also involved officials of various departments, boards, corporations, cooperatives societies and autonomous bodies besides making them accountable against burning of crop residue in the fields owned or cultivated by them.Issuing detailed instructions in this regard, the Government has asked entire staff of departments/boards/corporations and cooperative societies not to burn the crop residue wherever they were growing paddy.Disclosing this here today, the Secretary, Agriculture & Farmer Welfare K.S. Pannu informed that in case any employee fails to comply with these directions, disciplinary action as per the service rules would be initiated against such employees. He said that employees had also been directed to dissuade others from indulging into this environment and health hazardous practice. The employees have been mandated to bring the matter to the notice of concerned authorities, in case there is any burning of crop residue. In addition to ensuring that they themselves do not indulge in straw burning these employees have also been directed to create awareness amongst the farmers about the ill-effects of stubble burning causing irreversible damage to nature, environment and human health.
The Secretary further said that the state government directed the District Police Chiefs and other police officers to impress upon farmers not to burn paddy residue. Likewise, all revenue patwaris have also been directed to mark red entry in the girdawari of agriculture lands, where this malpractice will take place. The burning of paddy residue in that particular field would also be brought to the notice of his higher authorities, he added.Deputy Commissioners have been asked that if any Nambardar is found indulging in straw burning, then he shall be issued notice by the Competent Authority for action against him/her. The Deputy Commissioners and SSPs will hold joint meetings with all the stakeholders to strictly enforce the orders banning stubble burning, he added. The Commission Agents (Artiahs) registered with Agriculture Produce Market Committees in Punjab have been directed not to burn crop residue in case they are growing Paddy. The Rural Development and Panchayats Department would also motivate the elected members of Panchayats against this unhealthy practice. Mr. Pannu further pointed out that teachers/staff members of the Government/private schools had also been directed not to burn crop residues wherever they were growing paddy. Similarly, the Canal Patwaris are also directed to bring the incidents of paddy residue burning to the notice of the respective Deputy Commissioners of the District for necessary action.