Deputy Commissioner Amritsar, Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh, has directed the officials of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and the Pollution Control Board to visit villages and create awareness among farmers to prevent incidents of crop residue burning in fields. Chairing a meeting with officials of various departments today, the Deputy Commissioner said that every concerned department must perform its duty with full dedication to prevent incidents of crop residue burning in the district, as this issue is directly related to the environment and the well-being of humans as well as all living beings.
He said that the Agriculture Department should establish direct contact with farmers in villages and educate them about the harmful effects of burning crop residue in fields. Farmers should also be informed about alternative methods for managing crop residue without setting it on fire.
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh further said that apart from awareness campaigns, the support of village numberdars, panchayats, and social organizations across the district will also be sought to prevent incidents of wheat stubble burning. He informed that farmers, cooperative societies, farmer groups, and panchayats in the district already have agricultural machinery available that can help in the proper management of crop residue.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the Punjab Government has also issued directions for using crop residue as fuel in sugar mills, brick kilns, and similar units, and officials should ensure strict compliance with these instructions. He said that the district administration is committed to completely eliminating the practice of crop residue burning by creating awareness among farmers and seeking their cooperation.
Through the media, he also appealed to farmers not to burn wheat stubble under any circumstances, as such practices not only pollute the environment but also severely damage the fertility of the soil. He added that farmers may contact the Agriculture Department for any advice or assistance regarding crop residue management.