IEP Chandigarh, October 10
Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal today informed the Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Dr. M. M. Kutty that Haryana is keeping strict vigil on the identified zones which are more prone to stubble burning.
The Chief Secretary said that to control stubble burning, the State Government is implementing a framework which includes In-situ/Crop Residue Management, Ex-situ Crop Residue Management, Effective monitoring/enforcement, Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities.
The Chief Secretary assured the Chairman that the State Government is committed to ensure the maintenance of air quality by strictly following the action plan given by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
He added that a special team of officers has been deployed who keeps strict vigil in the hotspots areas. Along with it real time information of stubble burning cases are being reported to the concerned deputy commissioners for taking immediate action. Sh. Kaushal further stated that through the effective strategy implemented by the district administration, Haryana is accelerating towards reducing the effect of stubble burning by 50 percent and more. He informed that despite the rain, farmers have harvested the paddy and mandi has received 3 times more quantity of paddy in comparison to the previous year on the same day.
Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management, Dr. M. M. Kutty was presiding over a meeting with the Chief Secretary along with all the Deputy Commissioners through Video Conferencing. The Chairperson asked the Deputy Commissioners to work hard to ensure the air quality management in Haryana. Extensive discussion took place regarding concrete steps to be taken in order to reduce the effect of stubble burning in Haryana.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioners apprised the Chairperson that various awareness campaigns are being carried out at local level in each district to educate the farmers regarding the ill effect of stubble burning. An incentive amount of Rs. 1000/- per acre to farmers for bailing (In-Situ Management) is being given by the State Government and along with transportation charges of bales at Rs. 500 per acre limited to maximum Rs. 15,000/- to Gaushalas. Special provision for additional top up assistance of Rs. 500/MT in addition to the current provision of assistance at Rs. 500/MT thereby, a total Rs. 1000/MT is being provided to the cluster identified by IOCL for 2G ethanol plant for supply of roughly 2 lakh MT residue management. Approximately 13 lakh MT crop residues will be utilized in Industries for Biomass plants, compressed biogas (CBG) plants, paper/cardboard industry and Industrial boilers. Apart from it various private players are buying the crop residue directly from the farmers at a decent rate for converting them further into bales.
Chief Secretary apprised the Chairperson, CAQM that the robust initiative taken by the Haryana Government is drawing positive results and significantly supporting in reducing the effects of stubble burning and in future also we are expecting outstanding results. All the Deputy Commissioners are strenuously working towards reducing the effect of stubble burning by 50 percent and more in comparison to the last year figures. He further said that Deputy Commissioner at district level and Sub Divisional Magistrate at Sub Divisional Level have been designated as nodal officers for prevention of crop residue burning. Officials in Red zone villages and yellow zone villages have been deputed. Flying squads are constituted for taking enforcement measures against the defaulters and a dedicated control room at District Level has been established.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Smt. Sumita Misra stated that we are ensuring mass awareness campaigns in every district highlighting the ill effect of stubble burning. We have spotted red zone areas and also made concrete provision so that we can curb the burning of straw in identified areas. While ensuring real time monitoring we are also ensuring technological inputs along with adequate baling machines which will collectively yield positive results. During the current year 7146 machines (5346 In-situ machines and 600 baling units i.e. 1800 Ex-situ machines 2022-23) were made available to the farmers. She added that main emphasis is given on providing Super Seeder, Baling unit & Zero Till Seed cum Fertilizer Drill.
