The battle against air pollution in the NCR has intensified as the Haryana government begins holding its own officials accountable for the rising number of farm fires.
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The Satellite Evidence: Data released today showed a sudden spike in fire incidents, with Karnal reporting 28 and Kaithal reporting 22 active fire locations. These are among the earliest recorded fires of the 2024 Kharif harvest season.
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The Suspensions: The Director General of Agriculture ordered the immediate suspension of two field officials stationed in the affected blocks. The officials were found to have failed in their primary duty of “Ground Truthing” (verifying satellite alerts on the spot) and had not initiated any awareness campaigns or legal action against the violating farmers in their jurisdiction.
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Administrative Strictness: “The officials were on notice to ensure that not a single fire occurs in their beats. Their failure to report these incidents to the headquarters constitutes a dereliction of duty,” a senior department spokesperson stated.
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Penalties for Farmers: * Red Entry: Farmers found burning stubble are now facing a “red entry” in their Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB) records, which will bar them from selling any crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the next two seasons.
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Fines: Environmental compensation (fines) of ₹2,500 per incident (for plots under 2 acres) is being collected on the spot.
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District Watch: Deputy Commissioners of both districts have formed mobile “Flying Squads” consisting of police and agriculture officers to patrol villages during the peak afternoon and evening hours when burning is most common.
