 "Stubble burning in Punjab: CAQM issues show cause notice to officials")
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a show cause notice on Tuesday to the Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) of Sangrur and Ferozepur districts over the rise in farm fire incidents in these areas.
The notice sought an explanation from the officials as to why stubble-burning cases were increasing and why the CAQM’s orders to curb air pollution had not been followed.
“The commission hereby directs you to explain why action should not be initiated as stipulated under Section 14 of the Act, for non-compliance, contravention of the order(s), direction(s) issued by the commission,” the notice stated.
The four officials involved — Sangrur DC Sandeep Rishi, Ferozepur DC Deepshikha Sharma, SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, and Ferozepur SSP Saumya Mishra — have been asked to respond by 5 pm on November 14.
On Monday, 418 farm fires were reported across Punjab, with Sangrur leading with 103 cases and Ferozepur reporting 72.
Air quality in major cities of Punjab remained poor, with haze and smog persisting. Amritsar recorded an AQI of 284 on Wednesday, while Mandi Gobindgarh had 169, Jalandhar 175, Ludhiana 161, and Bathinda 222.
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(With agency inputs)