Uttar Pradesh government has successfully curbed incidents of stubble burning and such cases have dropped by 65.65 per cent between 2017 and 2022, as per a statement released by the state government yesterday, September 21.
A presentation to this effect was made before Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, which highlighted data from the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue (CRM) scheme for the financial year 2022. In 2022, a total of 3,017 incidents of crop residue burning were reported, registering a 65 per cent decrease from 8,784 incidents in 2017, the statement added.
In response to this, the chief secretary has issued directives to cease the practice of crop residue burning, which causes high air pollution. The agriculture department has been tasked with conducting awareness and publicity campaigns through IEC (Information, Education and Communication) programmes.
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The directives emphasised on the importance of using print media for publicity and implementing awareness initiatives at various levels including district and Nyaya Panchayat levels. Stubble management awareness programs should also be organised through village level farmer schools. Additionally, radio jingles, television audio-visual clips and scrolling messages on TV should be broadcast to raise awareness.
Additionally, the directives highlighted the need to establish teams at various levels, including the village, Nyaya Panchayat, developmental block, tehsil and district to work together in raising awareness and engaging the community. Gram Panchayat awareness meetings should be scheduled, and activities such as Prabhat Pheri and Gram Pradhan Sammelan should be organised within the Gram Panchayats.
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Moreover, student gatherings should be arranged in primary and junior high schools, as well as intermediate and degree colleges at the development block level. Essay and painting competitions should also be held to foster participation and creativity.
At the district level, effective measures should be taken by ensuring coordination among officials from various departments, including sugarcane, basic education, revenue, rural development, Panchayati Raj, local bodies, police, transport and agriculture, according to the directives issued by the chief secretary.
