Wheat crop gutted in 3 acres

Lovleen Bains

Doraha, April 20

Fire destroyed 3.25 acres of standing wheat crop of a farmer in Ghudani Kalan village. The farmer, identified as Rajveer Singh, has demanded compensation for his loss.

Rajveer, who lost 3.25 acres of standing wheat crop of his 4 acres land, said, “This was all I had. I am helpless. If I am denied adequate compensation, my family would starve of hunger,” he added.

Three acres of stubble of Darshan Singh and Charan Singh’s fields have also reportedly been burnt. The cause of fire could not be ascertained.

Fire brigades reached the spot after the flames were doused of by the villagers.

Saudagar Singh Ghudani, general secretary, BKU (Ekta) Ugrahan, has demanded a compensation of Rs40,000 per acre for the aggrieved farmer.

“What is the use of such fire brigades which reach after the fire is extinguished? There is no provision of fire brigade at Payal. It has to be called from Khanna,” he added.

Tehsildar Pardeep Bains said a total of six acres, including 3.25 acres of wheat and rest stubble, were burnt. Patwari Kuldeep Singh said the reason of fire could not be ascertained.