Gautam Budh Nagar: 2 FIRs filed after 14 stubble and garbage fires

Noida:

The Gautam Budh Nagar administration has filed two first information reports (FIRs) and imposed fines for two incidents of stubble burning after a total of 14 incidents, including that of garbage and residue, were reported in the district since Oct. 2, officials said Friday.

The remaining 12 were identified and released with a warning of strict action in case of repeat offenses in the future, they added.

The incidents come amid growing concerns about air pollution, particularly as winter approaches. Authorities have stressed that strict monitoring to prevent activities such as stubble and waste fires significantly contributes to combating deteriorating air quality in the region.

Rajeev Kumar, deputy director of the agriculture department, appealed to farmers to stop burning crop residue. “Stubble burning not only harms the environment, but also the health of humans and animals. Composting in fields increases soil fertility and reduces pollution,” he said.

Satellite data recorded since October 2 revealed 14 incidents of open fires in the district, officials said.

Of the two cases of stubble burning, the first one occurred on October 7, in Aurangpur village of Jewar block, where a farmer, identified as Narendra (only name), was found stubble burning. burning stubble on a 1.5 acre plot. Another incident was reported on October 16 from Bangar village in Jewar, where a farmer, identified as Khan Mohammad, burned stubble on one hectare of land, they said.

After inspections, FIRs were lodged against the farmers and fines of ₹2,500 each were imposed as per government regulations, officials said.

“Stubble and garbage fires pose a serious threat to air quality, especially as the winter season approaches. Strict action has been taken in recent cases, with fines imposed on violators to deter such practices. We are committed to enforcing environmental regulations through regular monitoring and ensuring prompt action for any future violations to protect public health,” said Manish Kumar Verma, the district magistrate.

To address growing concerns over pollution, relevant departments are also conducting awareness campaigns across the district, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable alternatives, such as using agricultural waste as animal fodder or composting it to improve soil fertility.

In an appeal, the district administration said that apart from causing serious air pollution, stubble burning can lead to health problems.

On Friday, Noida’s air quality index or AQI was recorded at 242 while that of Greater Noida at 264, both under the ‘poor’ zone, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The Air Quality Management Commission has implemented Phase I of the Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP (Air Pollution Control Measures) in the National Capital Region of Delhi from from October 15 due to a sudden drop in air quality, with forecasts predicting continued poor conditions. .

Key actions include strict dust mitigation measures in construction, proper waste disposal, periodic road cleaning and ensuring construction materials are covered during transportation. All relevant agencies have been tasked with ensuring compliance with regulations to reduce pollution and improve air quality.