Acting on the orders of Chief Minister Punjab Mr Bhagwant Singh Mann, in order to prevent farm fires during the forthcoming paddy harvesting season, the district administration Barnala has roped in people from various sections of society. The administration has devised a method of monitoring fields since the time paddy was sown to ensure that as soon as the farmer harvests crop, he is put under close scanner.
Deputy Commissioner Barnala Mrs Punamdeep Kaur said while presiding over a series of full house meetings of various sections of society that are stakeholders in preventing the farm fires. DC asked the commission agents to ensure that no farmer attached with them indulges in putting stubble on fire.
If any of the farmers does it, then administration will take strict action against the concerned commission agent as per rules. Similarly, the combine harvester owners were directed neither to operate their machines for harvesting between 6pm to 10 am nor operate combines without super SMS attached to the machines.
She said that already village level committees and WhatsApp groups of around 30 - 40 people in each group have been activated in all villages. These groups are keeping an eye on the fields. If any combine machine is found working without a Super SMS, strict action will be taken against the erring owner.
The District Mandi officer has been directed to ensure that no yield, which has moisture content more than government prescribed limits, should be allowed to enter the grain markets. The rice milling shellers were also directed to ensure that farmers attached with them do not burn paddy stubble.
She added that the led by Chief Minister Punjab Mr Bhagwant Singh Mann Punjab government has resolved all issues with millers and hence they should now actively gear up for the procurement season. SSP Barnala Mr Sandeep Malik added that the grain markets in the district will be provided with adequate security cover to ensure that procurement goes on smoothly.
He directed all the police officials to ensure that no farm fire happens in the district. Senior civil and police officials, commission agents, combine machine operators, rice shellers and others were present in the meeting.
25 VILLAGES IDENTIFIED AS HOTSPOTS IN FARM FIRES
The administration had identified 25 villages as hotspots on the basis of last year's farm fire data. Taking over cudgels in these villages, DC has roped in NREGA workers, Anganwari workers, nambardar, village youngsters among the army of government officers to prevent farm fires.
Deputy Commissioner today conducted series of meetings with the gram panchayat secretaries, NREGA workers, Anganwari workers, nambardars, chowkidars along with the civil and police nodal officers appointed in each village. During the meeting she laid emphasis that each NREGA worker should monitor five farmers.
Already whatsapp groups have been formed in these villages and farmers are being closely monitored. Details about name, phone number, area under cultivation and time of paddy sowing is available with these team members. A close eye is being kept on farmers. Soon after harvesting the field will be monitored for fire incidence.
Deputy Commissioner said that NREGA workers, Anganwari workers, nambardars, chowkidars along with the civil and police nodal officers appointed in each village will act as eyes and ears of administration. DC said that the people deputed to prevent farm fires will be honored at Republic Day function when no fire is reported in respective areas.
She conducted series of meetings with Maur Nabha, Bhotna, Dhaula, Khuddi Kalan, Chhiniwal Kalan and Uggoke.