Stubble burning cases drop from 8,784 cases in 2017 to 906 in 10 months of 2023

Lucknow: In a major achievement for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has succeeded in curbing stubble-burning incidents in the state, with cases dropping from 8,784 cases in 2017 to a mere 906 in 10 months of 2023.

The government is persistently engaged in raising awareness of farmers to prevent incidents of stubble burning in the state. Additionally, strict measures, including the imposition of fines, are being taken against those who do not adhere to the regulations. As a result, the incidents of stubble burning have been steadily declining year by year.

The strict enforcement has led to a significant reduction in stubble burning cases, even in those places of NCR, which previously faced this threat. People of UP in the NCR have also become more aware of the threat and are taking necessary measures to avoid stubble burning.

The Yogi government is placing a strong emphasis on crop residue management. According to the available data regarding incidents of stubble burning, a total of 3,017 cases were reported in 2022. However, due to the stringent measures and awareness campaigns conducted by the Yogi government, only 906 cases have been reported in the first 10 months of 2023. Previously, as many as 8,784 cases of stubble burning were reported in 2017, 6,623 in 2018, 4,230 in 2019, 4,659 in 2020, and 4,242 in 2021.

Incidents of crop burning due to stubble burning also drop

The incidents of burning of crops due to stubble burning have also dipped significantly. As per data available, until October 30, 2020, such incidents occurred at 1,132 locations. In 2021, this number decreased to 890, and as of October 30, 2023, only 748 cases have been reported. In Pilibhit, there were 98 cases reported until October 30, 2022, and so far in 2023, 84 cases have been reported. The people of Shahjahanpur have made substantial efforts in this regard. In 2022, there were 223 reported cases, but only 48 cases have been reported so far this year in the district.

In the NCR districts, efforts have also been made to raise awareness and discourage stubble burning. In Shamli, until October 30, 2022, six such incidents were reported. However, in 2023, only five incidents were reported. Similarly, in Meerut, there were three incidents in 2022 and four in 2023. In Bulandshahr, there were six incidents reported in 2022 and seven in 2023, and in Baghpat, there were two incidents in 2022 and one in 2023. Hapur had two cases last year, but due to increased awareness this year, no such incidents have occurred thus far.

Measures being adopted to stop the burning of crop residues

The Yogi government is actively promoting awareness through IEC programs to stop the burning of crop residue. Various measures, such as awareness campaigns, farmer training programs, and publicity efforts, are being undertaken to tackle the issue. Additionally, the supply of bio-decomposer, along with its free distribution to farmers, is being carried out concurrently with the distribution of single agricultural equipment for crop residue management and agricultural machinery under the Farm Machinery Bank.

Furthermore, in collaboration with various departments, including sugarcane, basic education, revenue, rural development, Panchayati Raj, local bodies, police, transport, and agriculture, effective measures are being implemented at the district level to tackle crop residue burning.

The state government is also fostering awareness by encouraging the establishment of crop residue-based units, supplying stubble to these units, forming district-level task forces, and organizing numerous competitions to address this pressing concern.

Strict action is being taken against those who burn stubble

Strict action is being taken to address incidents of stubble burning. Accountants have been assigned the responsibility of preventing crop residue burning in their respective regions. Non-compliance with these measures may result in fines set at Rs 2500 for areas less than 2 acres, Rs 5000 for areas between two to five acres, and Rs 15000 per acre for areas exceeding five acres. Super SMS has been made mandatory with combined harvesters. Moreover, it is emphasized that Lekhpals responsible for revenue villages should ensure that stubble burning is prevented within their jurisdiction.