Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba and District Police Chief Sartaj Singh Chahal were on a round of the district when they received a report that a farmer in village Benra had set fire to wheat stubble in his fields. Acting promptly, they called the fire brigade and had the fire extinguished.
Deputy Commissioner Chaba stated that teams are active across the district, and strict monitoring is being carried out to prevent the burning of crop residue. He added that the farmer responsible for setting the fire was informed about the harmful effects of stubble burning and was persuaded not to repeat such actions in the future.
The farmer also assured that he would not burn stubble again. The Deputy Commissioner further stated that administrative and police officials are reaching out to every village and farmer in the district, urging them to protect the environment.
He appealed to farmers that, instead of burning crop residue—thereby harming human health, the environment, and soil fertility—they should incorporate the residue back into the soil. Burning destroys beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which reduces its fertility.
He also highlighted that smoke from such fires causes various health issues and increases the risk of road accidents. Therefore, crop residue should not be burned under any circumstances.
SSP Chahal stated that action will be taken against those who violate the rules. Officials from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, the Agriculture Department, and other departments were also present.