Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, April 8-
With the aim of preventing environmental pollution, the District Magistrate of Fatehabad Rahul Narwal, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 144 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, has imposed a ban on burning the residues of wheat crop after harvesting in Fatehabad district with immediate effect.
Apart from this, all owners of combine harvester machines have been ordered to ensure the installation of Super Straw Management Systems (SSMS) in their combine harvester machines during the wheat harvesting process. Without SSMS, there will be a complete ban on harvesting of wheat crop by combine harvester machines. These orders will remain effective till the end of Rabi crop season 2024.
District Magistrate further informed that during the Rabi season, farmers often set fire to the residues of wheat crop after harvesting, which is a violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Burning these residues leads to pollution which poses a risk to human health, property damage, stress, anger, and potential danger to life. Additionally, burning these residues can create fodder shortage for animals.
In case of non-compliance with the above orders, if any individual is found guilty, they will be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, and under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.