In defiance of Supreme Court directives, the surge in stubble burning in Punjab persists, escalating environmental concerns as the region heads towards the rabi sowing season. The count of farm fires soared to 2,544 on Wednesday, significantly surpassing previous days’ numbers and breaching the court’s orders.
Punjab witnessed a notable increase in stubble blazes, reaching 30,661 for the season, although still lower than last year’s count at the same period. The rising fires signal an impending threat of increased pollution levels, potentially impacting the national capital, Delhi.
Authorities point to logistical challenges and limited cooperation from residents as key factors contributing to enforcement failures. Despite efforts to gather information from village leaders, practical solutions to immediately address farm fires in real-time are notably absent.
The persistent burning contradicts recent Supreme Court orders, compelling states including Punjab to halt all stubble fires. The court, highlighting Delhi’s choked air and its detrimental effects on the youth, stressed the urgency of curbing this practice.
Notably, 20 districts in Punjab reported farm fires, with Bathinda, Moga, Barnala, Sangrur, and Ferozepur recording the highest cases. Muktsar, Fazilka, and Ludhiana followed closely, indicating widespread defiance across various regions.
Although the Punjab government registered 83 FIRs against erring farmers, the overall number of cases filed during the entire stubble burning season remains relatively low at 336. Officials emphasize that stringent measures, including meetings and warnings, are being undertaken to dissuade farmers from engaging in stubble burning.
Sources By Agencies
