Punjab: "Stubble issue will be solved in 1-2 yrs," says ADC Bathinda

Bathinda (Punjab) [India], October 20 (ANI): There has been only one incident of stubble burning have been reported in Bathinda, Punjab, an official said on Monday and underlined the efforts of the administration and coordination with stakeholders in order to solve the issue in next two years.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Bathinda, Poonam Singh Bathinda, told ANI that the officials are meeting with farmers to make them aware about the stubble management.
"So far, only one incident of stubble burning has occurred in Bathinda. Our entire team is very active in Bathinda... Our agricultural officials are traveling everywhere to educate farmers about the benefits of stubble management* (as opposed to burning stubble)... The way the district administration is working, and if we continue to coordinate with the industries in the same way, the stubble issue will be solved in 1-2 years, "ADC Singh said.
Stubble burning has been a serious environmental concern in Punjab and other northern states, as it contributes heavily to air pollution and poses severe health risks, particularly during the winter months when smoke mixes with fog to create smog. The government has imposed a strict ban to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable crop residue management practices, such as using bio-decomposers or mechanised tools for residue management.
Stubble burning cases in Punjab's Amritsar reduced by 80 per cent as compared to the last year, Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sakshi Sawhney, said earlier in the month.
She told ANI earlier, "60 per cent harvesting has been done in Amritsar, because it is a vegetable belt, so harvesting starts early. Last year, we had approximately 378 incidents of stubble burning, and this year we have 73 incidents, which is 80 per cent fewer compared to last year."
Earlier, Environmental Engineer Sukhdeva Singh said that 45 cases of stubble burning were reported in Punjab from September 15 to September 27, out of which fire was detected at 22 locations. Environmental compensation has been imposed at 22 locations, and damages have been recovered. (ANI)