Smog alert: Direct seeding a solution

Smog alert: Direct seeding a solution

BEING an important kharif crop, paddy is a boon for states including Punjab and Haryana that contribute a major share to the Central foodgrain pool and export quality rice worth Rs 30,000 crore annually. But now, it is becoming a bane of people annually causing extreme smoke-related health emergencies due to the burning of paddy stubble and over-exploitation of groundwater. Though stubble burning was a routine practice, as farmers use this method to prepare their fields for the timely sowing of the next crop. However, it did not cause smoke-related emergencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) till 2005 because paddy was sown early in May-June and harvested by the first half of October, which provided sufficient time for stubble management. But to save groundwater, farmers were legally prohibited to transplant early paddy before the official date (June 20). The problem could be solved with the promotion of direct-seeded rice, legal prohibition against water guzzling and transplanted rice and also long duration paddy varieties in a phased manner. — Dr Virender Singh, Narwana 

Bovines all the way! 

STRAY cattle can be openly seen roaming on the Badshahpur-Sohna road. Not caring two hoots about their safety, these can be seen sitting right in the middle of roads. These bovines can become a cause for serious accidents. Is anyone listening? However, it was good to see that encroachments are being taken care of.  — Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

Paying toll thrice not fair

WHILE While one has to pay exorbitant 'toll' at three places between Ambala and Delhi on NH-44 (formerly NH-1), its poor maintenance at several places does not truly justify the imposition thereof, which strangely yet unjustifiably gets frequently revised too. Significantly, this key defense road connects the national capital with Chandigarh, Panchkula, Himachal Pradesh and the border state of Amritsar in Punjab before entering neighbouring Pakistan. Is someone from NHAI, a prominent govt agency, listening?. — Vinayak G, Karnal

HUDA fails to make amends 

THE photograph clicked at Shahid Major Sandeep Sagar Chowk reveals the failure of Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to make amends to a glaring mistake. HUDA has failed to correct the spelling of 'Secretariat' (not Secretriate) on a notice board at Shahid Major Sandeep Sagar Chowk on NH-73 in Panchkula despite several reminders.  — SK Gupta, Panchkula

Is a civic issue bothering you? Are you agitated over the lack of concern? Is there something heartening that you feel needs to be highlighted? Or a picture which in your opinion ought to be seen by many, and not just you? 

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