Chandigarh: Punjab Police has registered 678 FIRs from November 7 till Thursday against farmers setting paddy stubble on fire in violation of Supreme Court directions and in spite of repeated requests by the state government to not cause air pollution and endanger people’s lives.
The state government has also imposed fine or environmental compensation of over Rs 1.36 crore till date in 6,179 cases from November 7.In 340 cases, the state government has marked red entries in revenue documents of farmers burning crop residue. FIRs are being registered under Section 188 (defying public order) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 39 of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Special DGP (law and order) Arpit Shukla, who is nodal officer for checking stubble burning in the state, said there is a clear message to people that law enforcing agencies will ensure Supreme Court directions are implemented in letter and spirit.
He added that state police chief Gaurav Yadav held a meeting with officers on Thursday, directing them to make effective efforts in collaboration with the district administration and other wings of the state government to stop farm fires.
He said that police patrolling has been increased and flying squads constituted.
He added that officials were engaging with farmers and other stakeholders to sensitise them about the ill-effects of stubble burning.
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