Will be strict with stubble-burners: Haryana CM Khattar

Kaithal (Haryana) [India], October 16 : In line with the commitment to combat stubble burning, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Monday that there is no reason to burn stubble, but if people still don't understand, we will be strict with them.
"Still, we will collect information on all such farmers, speak with them, and make them understand. If they still don't understand, we will be strict with them," he said.
As the winter approaches, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has worsened in the Jind district in Haryana. AQI in the district has crossed 200 even as an increasing incidence of stubble burning is reported in Haryana's Jind.
According to the officials, in the last 15 days, 36 cases of stubble burning have been reported in the district and the administration has collected a fine of Rs 82,500 from the farmers who indulged in the stubble burning.
In line with the commitment to combat stubble burning, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal chaired a virtual meeting on October 10 with all the Deputy Commissioners of the state to assess and enhance efforts aimed at preventing stubble burning in the state.
Recognising the urgency of the situation and the need for proactive measures, Kaushal outlined a series of key actions to tackle this pressing issue effectively.
Kaushal directed the Deputy Commissioners to regularly conduct effective review meetings with agriculture and other concerned officers to formulate and implement strategies that curb stubble burning in the affected areas. He said that these meetings are instrumental in ensuring a coordinated response to this environmental challenge.
In line with the commitment to combat stubble burning, Kaushal called for stringent action against officers and individuals found involved in active fire locations. This tough stance aims to deter and penalise those who contribute to air pollution through this practise.
Furthermore, it was stressed that daily reviews with Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will be conducted to closely monitor the situation on the ground. These daily reviews will enable swift responses to emerging incidents of stubble burning and ensure that appropriate actions are taken promptly, according to an official release from the office of the Chief Secretary.
Kaushal asked the Deputy Commissioners to keep in close coordination with the local Sarpanches, who play a pivotal role in this endeavour.
He called upon them to provide explanations and take necessary actions against individuals within their jurisdictions who engage in stubble burning. This collective effort seeks to hold accountable those responsible for contributing to air pollution and environmental degradation.
Kaushal reiterated the Haryana government's unwavering commitment to combat stubble burning and its detrimental effects on air quality and public health. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to address this critical issue effectively.