Punjab: Will verify cases of ‘no crop fire incidents’
Punjab: Taking cognizance of the mismatch in data related to stubble burning in Malerkotla, the government has revised the protocol of confirming ‘no crop burning detected’ status for cases reported by the Punjab Remote Sensing Agency. Now each such case will be verified individually by the deputy commissioner, additional deputy commissioner, SDM, executive magistrate, block development panchayat officer, block agriculture officer, sub-inspector, SHO or CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) supervisor. The instructions were issued by the secretary, department of science, technology and environment on Friday, which were further circulated by the Malerkotla ADC. “Furthermore, it is also informed that the Secretary, Science, Technology and Environment vide letter No. 10/615/2024-STE2/743 dated 25.10.2024 (orders issued), which are reproduced as follows,” said a communication sent to all government officials responsible for the implementation of the National Green Tribunal guidelines on stubble burning. Fire incidents are reported daily by the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC). As per the standard operating procedure, each case is confirmed within 24 hours of being reported.
“As it has been observed that many cases have been reported in the districts as ‘no crop burning detected’, therefore, to confirm each case reported by the PRSC, the following should be ensured – each such case should be personally verified by the DC or ADC or SDM, or Executive Magistrate or BDPO or Block Agriculture Officer or Sub-Inspector or SHO or CAQM Supervisor of the area,” the circular reads. It has also been directed by the ADC that each case of “no crop burning detected” should be “personally” verified and a report with evidence should be available with the DC. All other cases, which are not verified as per the latest protocol, will be treated as fire incidents requiring action as per directions of the Supreme Court/NGT/CAQM, officials have been advised.
The ADC warned that any failure on the part of the team to perform their duties will attract punitive action, as mentioned in the CAQM order. The Punjab government and the CAQM have been issuing directives from time to time to prevent stubble burning cases. Designated government personnel have been authorised to file complaints/prosecutions before the Judicial Magistrate of the jurisdiction, including nodal officers and supervisory officers at various levels and SHOs responsible for enforcement to end stubble burning in their jurisdiction. Last year, 398 ‘no crop fires found’ cases were found out of 413 fires reported by the PRSC, with only one case of attempt to set agricultural waste on fire during the coming year.
