Jalandhar has recorded 67 incidents of stubble burning to date as the Agriculture Department intensifies efforts to combat the environmental and health repercussions of paddy residue burning. In an innovative approach this season, the department has partnered with the Lung Care Foundation and is engaging health professionals to educate farmers on the direct impact of these fires on their well-being.
Agriculture Department Collaborates with Health Sector for Awareness
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Agriculture Department’s initiative aims to leverage the expertise of doctors to convey the adverse health consequences associated with stubble burning. This collaboration seeks to add a personal dimension to the awareness campaign, emphasizing that the harmful effects of air pollution generated by burning crop residue extend to the farmers themselves.
Health Department officials have been directed to conduct counseling sessions for farmers at village dispensaries, providing them with information regarding the health risks. Chief Agriculture Officer Randhir Singh Thakur highlighted that this marks the first instance of the department collaborating with a non-governmental organization for such an outreach program. He expressed optimism that the involvement of medical experts would resonate more strongly with farmers, potentially leading to greater adoption of sustainable practices.
The department annually disseminates information on the reasons to refrain from burning paddy residue. However, the current strategy focuses on having doctors and specialists articulate the negative health impacts, a move anticipated to be more persuasive. This approach underscores a growing recognition of the multifaceted challenges posed by stubble burning, extending beyond environmental concerns to encompass public and individual health.
Declining Trend in Farm Fires Despite Ongoing Concerns
Data from the Agriculture Department indicates a significant year-on-year reduction in stubble burning incidents in Jalandhar over the past few years. In 2021, the district registered 2,548 cases. This number saw a substantial decrease to 1,388 in 2022 and further declined to 1,196 in 2023. The trend continued downwards in 2024, with 157 cases reported, and the figure dropped to 86 last year, demonstrating a consistent effort in curbing the practice.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring district of Nawanshahr, the Deputy Commissioner has issued a stern warning against stubble burning, signaling a zero-tolerance policy. Strict action is threatened against farmers found engaging in the practice. Furthermore, cluster officers and nodal officers have been put on notice, with accountability measures in place if any stubble burning incidents are reported within their respective jurisdictions.
The Deputy Commissioner conveyed these directives during a comprehensive review meeting with officials from various departments. The meeting assessed the ongoing measures implemented to prevent stubble burning incidents across Nawanshahr district. The officials were urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to intensify ground-level monitoring to ensure compliance with the directives. This proactive stance by district administration reflects a commitment to mitigating the environmental and health hazards associated with agricultural residue burning.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
