Ludhiana Reports Over 96% Drop in Farm Fires This Season
Ludhiana sees over 96% decline in farm fires this season
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Ludhiana district in Punjab, India, has seen a remarkable 96% decline in farm fire incidents this season, with only 21 cases reported by April 28 compared to over 600 last year. This positive trend is attributed to awareness campaigns about the environmental impacts of stubble burning, coinciding with nearly complete wheat harvesting across the region.
- 01Ludhiana reported only 21 farm fire incidents this season, marking a 96% drop from last year.
- 02The decline is linked to awareness campaigns about the dangers of stubble burning.
- 03Wheat harvesting in Ludhiana is nearly complete, with 99.5% of the cultivated area harvested.
- 04Other districts in Punjab show mixed trends, with some reporting even fewer incidents.
- 05The state has deployed the Parali Protection Force to enforce regulations against stubble burning.
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Ludhiana district in Punjab, India, has recorded an impressive 96% decline in farm fire incidents this season, with only 21 cases reported by April 28, compared to over 600 during the same period last year. This significant reduction comes as wheat harvesting nears completion, with 99.5% of the 2.44 lakh hectares of cultivated area already harvested. Chief Agriculture Officer Gurdeep Singh attributed the decline to ongoing awareness campaigns that emphasize the environmental and agricultural damage caused by stubble burning, particularly the harm to beneficial soil bacteria necessary for maintaining soil fertility. While some districts in Punjab, such as Fatehgarh Sahib, reported only one incident, others like SBS Nagar recorded 12 cases. To strengthen enforcement, the state has established the Parali Protection Force, which includes officials from various departments. Singh noted that most incidents this year appear to be accidental, which is why no strict punitive measures have been taken so far.
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The significant drop in farm fires can lead to improved air quality and soil health, benefiting local agriculture and communities.
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