Satellite surveillance intensifies to curb stubble burning in Ferozepur; 159 cases acted upon
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, October 22, 2024: To mitigate the rising instances of stubble burning in Ferozepur district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Deepshikha Sharma has reinforced satellite surveillance and strategic monitoring of farmlands in a concerted effort.
In a recent meeting with key civil and police department officials, the DC highlighted that of the 207 reported incidents of stubble burning detected via satellite, actions have been taken in 159 cases, with FIRs duly filed. The session was attended by senior officers, including SDM Ferozepur Randeep Singh, SDM Zira Gurmeet Singh, Executive Engineer of the Punjab Pollution Control Board Gulshan Kumar, and Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Jagir Singh.
Presiding over the meeting, DC Sharma emphasized that satellite monitoring of fields will continue to promptly detect and address stubble-burning events. Upon receiving alerts, designated nodal officers are required to inspect the reported sites and submit detailed reports. Follow-up visits are then conducted by officials from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office, the Agriculture Department, and the police, ensuring strict enforcement.
Highlighting past trends, DC directed officials to maintain extra vigilance in previously identified "hotspot" villages. She urged for awareness drives within these areas, aimed at educating farmers about the environmental impacts of stubble burning and encouraging sustainable practices to protect soil health and public well-being.
“Collaborative efforts between the civil and police departments are essential to curb this issue effectively," DC Sharma noted. She appealed to farmers, asking them to join hands in creating a pollution-free Ferozepur by refraining from stubble burning, which depletes soil fertility and contributes to respiratory and skin diseases.
This intensified focus, leveraging technology and community engagement, underscores Ferozepur's commitment to tackling air pollution and promoting environmental stewardship among its farming community.