Crackdown on farm fires: Six officials charged with negligence in Ambala

The Ambala administration has launched an investigation against six government officials for alleged negligence in controlling farm fires in the region. Those facing prosecution include two Block Agriculture Officers (BAOs), two SHOs, one Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) and one Tehsildar.

As of November 5, 87 active fire locations (including those reported by HARSAC and others) were recorded; Stubble burning was confirmed in 47 locations and no active fires were detected in the remaining 40 locations.

The administration imposed environmental compensation charge (ECC) totaling Rs 1.07 lakh on 35 farmers for burning paddy stubble, registered five FIRs and flagged 42 red entries in the farm records of the offenders.

Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA), Ambala, Dr Jasvinder Singh said, “Following the reporting of numerous farm fires, prosecution was initiated in the courts by the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) for negligence against the officials in their districts.” “Two officials from Naraingarh and Barara, one official each from Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment. Earlier, three officials from the Ministry of Agriculture were suspended for similar reasons.”

Authorities have been given clear instructions to closely monitor their areas, dissuade farmers from burning stubble and prevent farm fires this season. Despite these orders, stubble burning continued. Dr Singh added: “Action has also been taken against farmers by registering FIRs and marking red entries. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt crop residue management (CRM) with a government incentive of Rs 1,000 per acre to those who do so.”

Satinder Siwach, Sub District Magistrate (SDM), Ambala Cantonment, said: “A case has been initiated from Ambala Cantonment. The High Court has taken serious notice of the deteriorating air quality and strict orders have been issued to stop the farm fires. Meanwhile, action has been taken. “As part of the measures taken against the farmers, the authorities also faced prosecution for negligence. A full report will be sent to higher authorities for further action.”

According to officials, the Ministry of Agriculture along with other officials are actively visiting paddy fields to encourage farmers and reduce farm fires.