The Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, Sakshi Sahni, has ordered strict action against crop residue burning in the district. This includes denying new arms licenses to violators and revoking existing licenses.
Sahni said that this step is being taken to prevent pollution and protect the environment. She also said that crop residue burning is harmful to the health of farmers and residents of the area.
In order to obtain a new arms license, applicants will now be required to submit a verification report from the revenue officer. This report will confirm whether or not the applicant has been involved in crop residue burning. If there is a red entry in the applicant’s crop residue revenue record, they will be ineligible for an arms license.
Existing arms licenses will also be revoked if the holder is found to be involved in crop residue burning.
Sahni urged farmers to cooperate with the district administration in its efforts to prevent crop residue burning. She said that there are a number of alternative methods for disposing of crop residue, such as composting and vermicomposting.
The district administration is also providing financial assistance to farmers who adopt these alternative methods.