Supreme Court Inquiry
The Supreme Court showed concern regarding the issue of stubble burning, which contributes significantly to air pollution. In response to the situation,
the court inquired with the Punjab government, seeking an explanation as to why the farmers involved in stubble burning should not be arrested. This action reflects the judiciary's worry over the environmental impact. The situation is worsening, and the court's involvement indicates a significant step toward addressing the issue. The court’s intervention marks a notable move in dealing with the problem of pollution resulting from stubble burning. The Punjab government has to give a response for the court's question about the steps taken to stop stubble burning.
FIRs Filed Against Farmers
A concerning aspect of the stubble burning issue is the legal action being taken. According to the information, 14 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed. These reports were registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section deals with the disobedience of orders issued by public servants. Notably, 13 of these FIRs originated in Amritsar. The filing of these FIRs signals a strict response to those violating environmental regulations. The government aims to deter the practice of stubble burning with the help of legal measures. The legal actions display the government's attempt to enforce regulations and reduce pollution caused by crop residue burning.
Recent Burning Incidents
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) presented data shedding light on the frequency of stubble burning incidents. Between September 15 and September 22, the state saw a total of 39 instances of crop residue burning. A video from ANI shows a farmer burning stubble in Amritsar’s Pandher village. The frequency of such events demonstrates the severity of the situation. The numbers highlight the scale of stubble burning. The state is facing a significant environmental challenge. This information is crucial to understand the extent of the problem. This data provides a clear picture of the current scenario.
Haryana's Response Too
Haryana has also taken actions to address the problem. Three farmers in Karnal district were reportedly penalized for burning paddy stubble. They were each fined, and a total penalty of Rs 30,000 was imposed. Like Punjab, Haryana is also cracking down on stubble burning. These measures demonstrate the efforts being made at the local level. The measures taken in Haryana and Punjab together suggest a wider regional initiative to curb this harmful practice. The state governments are working toward a common goal of reducing air pollution. The imposition of fines is a clear indication of the government’s zero-tolerance policy.
Areas with Most Incidents
The PPCB data revealed the most affected areas within Punjab. Amritsar topped the list with 21 incidents. Following Amritsar, Tarn Taran reported 7 incidents, and Patiala recorded 5. Additional incidents were reported in other areas. These include one each in Barnala, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mohali, and Malerkotla. The data helps identify the hotspots of stubble burning. This information allows for targeted interventions and resources. The data provides a comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of stubble burning.
