Students take out rallies to create awareness about stubble burning

Bathinda, October 20

Under the drive initiated by the state government against the burning of paddy stubble, school students are now raising awareness against the burning of paddy stubble in the district. 

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner B Srinivasan, government schools students took awareness rallies in villages of the district and more than 150 students participated in it. In these rallies, students are also holding placards advising farmers not to burn paddy stubble.

Divulging more details, Assistant District Education Officer Iqbal Singh said under the drive, students of Government Senior Secondary School, Dhipali, took out an awareness rally in the village. Around 80 students from Classes VIII to XII participated in the rally. The rally, which started from the school, passed through the villages and ended at the bus stand.

Similalry, students of Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Bhai Rupa, also took out an awareness rally in the village. The rally, which started from the school, passed through the village and ended at a gurdwara.

The burning of stubble harms the environment as uncontrolled fire destroys flora and fauna by the roadside and in forest areas, besides affecting the health of the soil.

As per the NGT orders, the fine for stubble-burning is Rs 2,500 for land holding of up to 2 acres, Rs 5,000 for land holdings between 2 and 5 acres and Rs 15,000 for land holdings of more than 5 acres.

If a farmer is caught burning stubble in his fields for the first time, a cash fine is imposed. In the second instance, stubble-burning may invite legal action. — TNS