category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU chandigarh In order to ensure compliance with the directions of the Hon ble Supreme Court to put a full stop to stubble burning, Special Director General of Police (Spl DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Wednesday said that a red alert has been sounded in all the districts and legal action will be initiated if anyone found burning stubble. Pertinently, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav had appointed Spl DGP Arpit Shukla as the Police Nodal Officer to monitor action against stubble burning.He said that CPs SSPs have been directed to engage farmers, citizens and various stakeholders to sensitise them about the ill effects of the stubble burning, which is also a violation of law and action and action could be initiated against them. All DSPs and SHOs have been asked to have discussions with Sarpanches and Kisan leaders to sensitise them about the ill effects of stubble burning, which not only affect the urban people but each and every individual, said Spl DGP Arpit Shukla, who was on a whirlwind tour to review the stubble burning cases in Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar district. He also called a meeting of all the gazetted rank officers and Station House Officers (SHOs) in Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar to review the status of stubble burning in their areas. The Special DGP urged farmers to cooperate and not put matchstick on crop residue, which will not only lead to deterioration of the environment but will also affect the health of children. He said that depending on the area and size of the Police Station, a sufficient number of additional patrolling parties are already activated, while, flying squads have also been keeping vigil on stubble burning. Strict legal action will be taken against violators, he reiterated. Meanwhile, Spl DGP Arpit Shukla accompanied by SSP Hoshiarpur Sartaj Singh Chahal also visited the venue of a rally, scheduled to be held on November 18, to review the security arrangements. Stubble burning, a common agricultural practice, particularly in regions with intensive rice and wheat cultivation, has severe consequences on the environment. The burning of crop residues, such as rice and wheat stubble, releases a significant amount of pollutants into the atmosphere. One of the primary pollutants is particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, which can have detrimental effects on respiratory health when inhaled by humans. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to respiratory issues and exacerbating conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, stubble burning emits various greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change, exacerbating the already critical issue of rising temperatures. The environmental impact extends beyond air quality and climate change. Stubble burning depletes the soil of essential nutrients, adversely affecting soil health and fertility. The practice also results in the loss of organic matter, making the soil more prone to erosion. Moreover, the ashes produced from burning crop residues may contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, posing a threat to water bodies when washed away by rainfall. The long-term consequences include soil degradation and reduced agricultural productivity. Stubble burning not only affects air and soil quality but also has repercussions for biodiversity. The smoke and pollutants released during burning can harm plant and animal life in the surrounding ecosystems. The cumulative impact of widespread stubble burning contributes to ecological imbalances and poses a threat to overall environmental sustainability. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that involves the adoption of alternative agricultural practices, technological solutions for residue management, and awareness campaigns to encourage sustainable farming methods. (editor dailyworld.in)