714 stubble-burning incidents in Haryana during current harvesting season

Haryana reports 714 cases of stubble burning this harvesting season, but govt claims it's lower than previous years. Govt is actively pursuing measures to reduce burning, providing incentives & machines to farmers. Drones used to monitor & prevent burning, FIRs registered against violators. Aim is to achieve zero stubble burning & reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Haryana has reported 714 cases of stubble burning during the current harvesting season so far, but the government claimed the number of such incidents is down this year in comparison with previous years.

Until Sunday, 714 cases of stubble burning were reported, officials said.

The State government is actively pursuing concrete measures for stubble management, which are yielding positive results, according to an official statement here on Monday.

"Notably, there has been a significant reduction in stubble-burning incidents in the State this year compared to the previous year. As of now, only 714 cases of stubble burning have been reported, whereas during the corresponding period in 2022, there were 893 cases. In 2021, the number was significantly higher at 1,508," it said. Paddy harvesting is underway in Haryana for the past over a month.

The statement said the Haryana government has taken the issue of stubble burning seriously and in collaboration with farmers, has made substantial progress in reducing such incidents.

"The government is actively conducting awareness campaigns to discourage stubble-burning and is also incentivising farmers with an amount of ₹1,000 per acre for practising proper stubble management and refraining from burning crop residue.

"In addition, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is providing various machines and equipment to farmers to facilitate effective stubble management," it said.