Stubble burning: Punjab govt forms special task force to keep vigil via satellite

After failing in persuading the farmers to not burn crop leftover in the fields, the Punjab government has now constituted a special task force (STF) to curb the burning of wheat straw. The STF will carry out vigil of the farm fields round the clock via satellite.

The agriculture department and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) have been taking measures to deal with the problem of stubble burning, but the practice is continuing since many years. The burning contributes to global warming, pollutes the air and causes health hazards, mainly breathing problems. The task force will take action with reference to pictures taken by the satellite.

It will send a team comprising cops, employees of revenue department, fire brigade department and agriculture department to deal with the situation.

This team will not only bring the fire under control, but also take police action and impose a fine from the accused while also registering an FIR against him. The task forces will also take help of USA’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), said Dalbir Singh Chhina, chief agriculture officer of Amritsar.

“The fine will be charged as per the land area owned by the farmer. The green tribunal is very strict this year to curb the problem and the measures are being taken as per its directions. So the farmers should cooperate and not indulge in the practice which has no positive,” he added.