• Source:JND
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Deputy Commissioner of Patiala Sakshi Sahni issued an order on Tuesday to curb the practice of stubble burning in Punjab’s Patiala district. The deputy commissioner announced that no new arms licences will be granted to those who engage in burning crop residues and the existing licence holders will not get their licences renewed.     

The order further stated that a document verification report would be required for any arms licence application or renewal. The revenue officer will record the instances of stubble burning in the revenue records. If a negative entry is found, the applicant or licence holder will be disqualified under the provisions of Section 14(1)(B)(1)(3) of the Arms Act 1959 and 2016. 

DC Sakshi Sahni said that farmers often ignite crop residue in their fields, which emits toxic gases and causes accidents and diseases. She said that smoke also affects the mental development of children and the fertility of the soil while stating that this order has been issued to stop this harmful practice and protect the environment and health.

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In addition, to promote stubble management and prevent crop residue burning, the district administration of Patiala has launched an awareness campaign through six vans. The vans will visit different villages and blocks in the district and educate the farmers about the benefits of stubble management and the availability of machinery for the same.

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The campaign aims to reduce air pollution and soil degradation caused by stubble burning. The awareness vans will also inform the farmers about the various types of stubble management machinery such as happy seeder, super straw management system and rotavator. The campaign also aims to distribute literature on proper management of crop residue among the farmers through the vans.