Bahawalpur mobilises 2,885 rural committees against smog

Committees reach 17,881 farmers to discourage crop-residue burning

BAHAWALPUR:

Anti-smog measures are being intensified across Bahawalpur Division, with 2,885 Rural Volunteer Committees mobilised to prevent crop-residue burning and raise awareness among farmers.

The measures were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Bahawalpur Division Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia, where the Agriculture and Environment departments discussed efforts to prevent the burning of crop residues, educate farmers, ensure the availability of modern agricultural machinery and enforce relevant laws.

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hasan Raza, Deputy Director Agriculture Hafiz Muhammad Shafiq, officers of the Cholistan Development Authority and Environment Department attended the meeting, while Deputy Commissioners Rahim Yar Khan Zaheer Anwar Jappa and Bahawalnagar Syed Muhammad Abbas Shah participated through video link.

Director Agriculture Muhammad Jameel Ghori briefed the meeting on anti-smog measures being implemented across the division.

The meeting was informed that 2,885 Rural Volunteer Committees had been constituted across the division to help prevent smog.

The committees had so far contacted 17,881 farmers, informing them about the harmful effects of crop-residue burning and encouraging them to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Officials said 188 Kubota-type harvesters, 67 combine harvesters and 224 Super Seeders were available across the division to facilitate farmers in managing crop residues through modern and sustainable methods instead of burning them.

The meeting was further informed that paddy had been cultivated over 567,000 acres and sugarcane over 798,000 acres across Bahawalpur Division.

Private service providers would be engaged for effective crop-residue management, while the sugar industry would be involved in developing plans for the proper disposal and utilisation of sugarcane residues.

Officials said anyone found burning crop residues would face a fine of Rs15,000 per acre, besides registration of an FIR and arrest in accordance with the law.

In view of sugarcane cultivation over 674,000 acres in Rahim Yar Khan, Commissioner Kathia directed authorities to take special measures to prevent the burning of sugarcane residues in the district.

The commissioner directed officials to focus on field monitoring and practical measures rather than remaining confined to their offices. He ordered a comprehensive awareness campaign among farmers and directed authorities to make announcements through mosques and re-notify the Rural Volunteer Committees.

He said modern agricultural machinery had been made available across the division to help farmers manage crop residues through environmentally friendly methods.

He also directed authorities to take special anti-smog measures in 45 sensitive villages located along the motorway.

The commissioner called for a zero-tolerance approach towards those responsible for causing smog and environmental pollution and stressed that the impact of anti-smog measures should be visible in the field.

The meeting was informed that fines amounting to Rs4.77 million had been imposed last year for violations of anti-smog laws, while five FIRs had also been registered against violators.

Commissioner Kathia directed all relevant departments to work under a coordinated strategy to control environmental pollution and prevent smog. He stressed that farmers should be provided with accessible and environmentally friendly alternatives for managing crop residues, while violations should be dealt with through legal action in accordance with the law. APP