Despite a ban imposed on stubble burning, the unhealthy practice continues unabated in Sangrur and Patiala districts. Stubble burning not only pollutes the environment, but it also causes health ailments.
During a visit to villages in Sunam, Sangrur and Lehragaga, it came to light that post-harvest, wheat stubble in most of the fields was burnt to ashes. A shopkeeper in Lehragaga opined that because of stubble burning, dense smoke even engulfs residential areas, thereby causing respiratory problems to inhabitants.
During a visit to areas of Patran, Shutrana, Samana and periphery areas of the city, TNS team spotted numerous farms, wherein wheat stubble was being burnt.
Patiala residents said there was an immediate need to create awareness among farmers on the issue. “Unless and until farmers are made aware about the ill effects of stubble burning, the practice will continue,” said Mohit Kapila, a city resident.
Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital principal Dr KD Singh said stubble burning could cause conjunctivitis. "The smoke emanating from the burning of stubble can lead to several health problems, including bronchitis, respiratory problems and skin ailments," he added.
A physician says stubble burning also depletes the red blood cell (RBC) count and adversely affects the oxygen carrying capacity in the body.
It is pertinent to mention that due of stubble burning, accident cases were also reported from various parts of the state. On October 11, 2011, three children were charred to death when an autorickshaw accidentally overturned at a field where the paddy straw was set ablaze near Mehta village in Amritsar.
Patiala Deputy Commissioner GK Singh said he had spoken to SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill for registration of cases against farmers violating the prohibitory orders against stubble burning. He, however, added, “I feel that solution to the problem can be achieved through spreading awareness among farmers and NGOs can play an instrumental role in this regard.” Sangrur DC Kumar Rahul was not available for comments
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit surprised to find my photograph of stubble burning in Saskatchewan, Canada, used -- and without permission -- on your site to illustrate an issue in another country.
This photograph was originally posted at http://latitudedrifts.blogspot.ca/2011/09/stubble-burning-city-smoke-haze.html. It is © 2011, Shelley Banks, all rights reserved.
I own the copyright, and have not granted any usage rights to your site.
Please contact me asap to discuss.
Shelley Banks
Hi Shelley! what's your conatct info so that i can contact you.
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