Punjab BJP Criticizes Governments Approach to Stubble Burning Issues
Punjab BJP leader criticizes government for penalizing farmers over stubble burning instead of providing support and solutions.
Chandigarh, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The former president of the Punjab BJP, Avinash Rai Khanna, sharply criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday for its handling of the increasing incidents of stubble burning in the state. He argued that filing FIRs against farmers, imposing fines, and marking their land records with “red entries” do not address the root of the problem.
Khanna emphasized that instead of taking punitive measures against farmers, the government should understand their difficulties and address their concerns. He pointed out that stubble burning cases are on the rise across the state, making it imperative for the government to provide timely support in the form of necessary machinery, subsidies, diesel, and financial assistance for effective stubble management.
In a statement, Khanna said, “There should be adequate arrangements at the village level to rent out balers, happy seeders, super seeders, and other agricultural equipment to small and marginal farmers.” He noted that farmers are already grappling with rising agricultural costs, increasing expenses, and natural calamities. He deemed it unfortunate to impose additional financial burdens through fines and police actions under such circumstances.
He urged the government to engage in discussions with farmers’ organizations and seek practical solutions to the problem. Rather than punishing farmers, the government should provide them with necessary facilities and encourage the adoption of effective stubble management practices.
Just a day earlier, a high-level team from the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) reviewed stubble management measures in Punjab’s Sangrur, Patiala, and Malerkotla districts. CAQM officials called for coordinated efforts to closely monitor stubble burning incidents. The team advised local authorities to ensure effective management of rice residues in accordance with their commitments.
An official statement indicated that actions taken at the ground level should align with the goals set by the team. They also visited a duplex board and paper manufacturing unit in Malerkotla, which facilitates the use of rice residues and utilizes rice husk as fuel in its boilers. Industry representatives noted that their boilers would consume approximately 17,000 metric tons of rice husk annually.
