Burning of dry cane leaves alerts administration in UP

LUCKNOW: Even as the state government grapples with the burning of stubble by farmers leading to air pollution, the cane department has recorded cases of burning of cane leaves by farmers in various districts, including Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Kushinagar and Maharajganj.
Cane commissioner Sanjay Bhoosreddy said that the department has sought explanation from district cane officers after receiving information of certain incidents of burning of dry cane leaves.He said instructions have been given to run extensive campaigns to make farmers aware in this regard.
Bhoosreddy said that he has also directed all the district cane officers, deputy cane commissioners and sugar mills of the state to make farmers aware by organising seminars and farmer fairs, through pamphlets, wall paintings and newspapers regarding the effects of burning dry leaves. Instructions have also been given to provide equipment like trash mulcher through farm machinery banks to farmers who would be informed about prohibition of burning crop residue by the government by exercising power under sub-section-5 of section 19 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
It has also been emphasized to warn them against burning dry leaves. Bhoosreddy said the incidence of burning of dry sugarcane leaves and crop residues has decreased considerably this year as compared to previous years.