Patiala, October 4, 2020 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Pollution Control Board taking into the consideration the problem of stubble burning in the State of Punjab and its adverse effect on the environment, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 31-A of the Air Act, 1981 has issued directions on 7.2.2018 to the effect that no harvester combine shall be allowed to harvest paddy in the State of Punjab without functioning Super Straw Management System (Super SMS).
In this regard, Combine Owners & Operators and farmers, through public noticeon 3.9.2020 in Punjabi & English newspapers, made an appeal to join hands with the State Government to combat the air pollution and not to burn paddy stubble in open fields and by not operating the combine for harvesting of paddy without installation of Super SMS so as to facilitate incorporation of paddy straw in soil.
Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board Prof. S.S. Marwaha informed that in order to verify the compliance of the directions issued by the Board, the officers of the Board surprisingly visited various villages of the State and checked 255 harvester combines. Out of which, 5 harvester combines were found operating without Super SMS.
The Board has imposed Rs. 2,50,000/- i.e. Rs. 50,000/- each combine as environmental compensation and also requested Police Department to seize and impound the harvester combine.
He further appealed that the directions given by the Punjab Government and Board from time to time be complied with so that environmental of the State may be saved and also cautioned that appropriate legal action shall be taken against the violators.
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