DC issues strict directions to prevent wheat straw burning ahead of harvesting season
In a proactive measure to curb environmental pollution, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Thursday chaired a meeting with officials from various stakeholders and issued clear directions to ensure zero tolerance towards wheat straw (stubble) burning as wheat harvesting is scheduled to commence from April 1.
City Air News
Mar 12, 2026 06:52
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Ludhiana, March 12, 2026: In a proactive measure to curb environmental pollution, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Thursday chaired a meeting with officials from various stakeholders and issued clear directions to ensure zero tolerance towards wheat straw (stubble) burning as wheat harvesting is scheduled to commence from April 1.
Presiding over the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain emphasized the need for sincere and coordinated efforts from all concerned departments to prevent this harmful practice. He directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to immediately appoint nodal officers at the village level to maintain close surveillance in their respective areas and monitor any incidents of straw burning.
The Deputy Commissioner further instructed officials to launch widespread awareness campaigns among farmers through camps, Vans, other IEC materials, highlighting the severe harmful effects of wheat straw burning. These include deterioration of air quality, soil degradation, loss of essential nutrients, health hazards from smoke and particulate matter, and contribution to broader environmental issues. The aim is to educate and motivate farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives for managing crop residue.
Ludhiana district has approximately 2.38 lakh hectares under wheat cultivation this year, making effective prevention measures critical to minimizing pollution during the upcoming harvesting period.
Jain stated that the district administration is committed to supporting farmers through guidance on scientifically proven crop residue management techniques. Strict enforcement actions will be taken against violators in line with relevant laws and guidelines from the Commission for Air Quality Management and state directives.
The Deputy Commissioner called upon all stakeholders including agriculture, pollution control, police, revenue, co-operative and panchayats departments to work collaboratively to achieve a pollution-free harvesting season.
