Farm fire incidents in Karnal district have surged by nearly 75%, jumping from 45 cases last year to 172 so far this season, officials said on Monday. This comes as wheat harvesting has concluded and farmers are preparing land for the next crop.
Taking serious note of this increase, deputy commissioner Anand Kumar Sharma has directed officials to register FIRs and impose fines against farmers found burning stubble.
Chairing a meeting, the DC instructed the area tehsildars and BDPOs to make announcements in villages to raise awareness among farmers.
“The SDM concerned must visit the fire scene with a team to determine the cause and initiate appropriate action,” he added.
Deputy director, agriculture, Wazir Singh said that 172 farm fires have taken place this year until May 3, whereas last year during this period there were only 45 cases.