Ferozepur, September 17:
In compliance with the directions issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Punjab, and the orders of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal, New Delhi, regarding the prevention of paddy straw burning, District Magistrate, Ferozepur, Ms. Deepshikha Sharma, IAS, has exercised the powers vested under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and imposed a complete ban on operating reapers in paddy crop residue within the jurisdiction of District Ferozepur.
However, farmers who intend to make bales from paddy straw/crop residue will be exempted from the scope of this order.
She said that at the beginning of the paddy harvesting season, it is generally observed that some farmers immediately operate reapers after harvesting the paddy crop to cut the remaining straw/residue, which is subsequently set on fire. This results in significant smoke pollution and can lead to several road accidents due to reduced visibility. It can also contribute to various health problems.
Burning crop residue reduces the fertility of the soil. Moreover, when crop residue cut with a reaper is subsequently burned, the fire can spread to standing crops and trees in surrounding fields, causing damage.
She further stated that doctors and experts have pointed out that exposure to such an environment can cause breathing difficulties and directly affect the lungs. If paddy straw is burned under the prevailing circumstances, the resulting smoke can have an even more adverse impact on elderly people, patients suffering from asthma, diabetes and heart disease, people with eye ailments, and young children. The smoke from burning paddy straw can prove hazardous and may even result in loss of valuable lives.
Therefore, keeping the above facts in view, there is a need to strictly prevent the practice of burning paddy straw.
Through another prohibitory order, the District Magistrate has also imposed a ban on burning paddy crop residue/straw within the jurisdiction of District Ferozepur.
She stated that this order will remain in force for two months from the date of its issuance.