Chandigarh: The Ludhiana district, which is constantly grappling with the problem of stubble burning, on Monday issued a ‘red notice’ to a many farmers of district who were indulged in this practice of farm fires and causing harm to the environment.
Chief Agriculture Officer Amanjeet Singh said that a fine of Rs 1.92 lakh has also been imposed on these farmers, adding that 658 cases have been reported so far.
He said teams have been formed to take action against farmers found involved in stubble burning.
Incidents of stubble burning are on the rise, especially in Punjab and have more than doubled in the last few days.
The state has recorded over 16,000 stubble burning cases and the highest number of 330 today from the Sangrur, home-turf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
This has come to light amid the fact that 70 per cent of paddy is yet to be harvested in Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Moga, Muktsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Khanna and Barnala districts.
Air pollution has also increased amid rising cases of stubble burning. Due to which problems like sore throat and irritation in the eyes are coming to the fore.
Meanwhile, Punjab government yesterday issued orders suspending four officials for negligence in cases of stubble burning. Those suspended include Chief Agriculture Officers Sangrur, Harbans Singh and Satish Kumar, Agriculture Officer of Samana in Patiala district, Harpal Singh of Chohla Sahib in Tarn Taran and Bhupinder Singh of Patti in Tarn Taran.