Lucknow: State Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra has instructed district and police authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent crop-burning incidents in UP districts within the National Capital Region (NCR) and throughout the state, reported Hindustan Times.
During a meeting with divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and other officials via video conference on Wednesday, Mishra emphasized that “parchis” (tickets) for selling sugarcane to mills should not be issued to farmers caught burning sugarcane leaves in the state.
He also issued a stern warning that action would be taken against personnel responsible if crop-burning incidents recur in their respective areas. The penalties for stubble burning cases range from ₹2,500 for areas smaller than two acres to ₹5,000 for areas between 2 and 5 acres, and ₹15,000 for areas larger than five acres.
“In instances of repeated crop burning incidents, this fine amount could be increased,” Mishra emphasized, urging officials to ensure that the levied fines are paid.
Mishra’s warning underscores the seriousness with which the Uttar Pradesh government is addressing the issue of crop burning and its impact on air pollution. The stringent measures outlined by Mishra are aimed at deterring farmers from resorting to stubble burning and promoting more sustainable practices.
