Two Village Headmen Suspended for Negligence in Preventing Stubble Burning, Says Amritsar District Collector
Amritsar: In a significant step to enforce environmental regulations and prevent stubble burning during the 2024 paddy harvesting season, the District Administration of Amritsar has suspended two village headmen for negligence in their duties. The headmen of Village Nag New, Survey No. 81, and Village Rakh Devidaspura, Survey No. 82, have been suspended following their failure to prevent stubble burning in their respective areas, confirmed District Collector Sakshi Sawhney.
As part of a wider campaign to curb the practice of burning paddy residue after harvesting, all village headmen in the district had been designated as a special task force. Their responsibilities included educating farmers on the dangers of stubble burning, monitoring compliance, and assisting farmers in obtaining the necessary equipment to manage crop residue without resorting to burning. This initiative was aimed at addressing the recurring issue of air pollution caused by stubble burning, which significantly affects air quality in northern India, particularly during the harvesting season.
According to District Collector Sawhney, the two village headmen in question—those from Village Nag New and Village Rakh Devidaspura—failed to perform their assigned duties, which led to the occurrence of two new cases of stubble burning. Despite clear instructions from the district administration, the headmen did not take adequate action to prevent the illegal practice in their respective areas. As a result, paddy residue was set on fire, contributing to environmental pollution and violating state policies aimed at curbing this harmful practice.
Collector Sawhney further disclosed that show-cause notices were issued to both headmen, asking them to explain their negligence. However, despite these notices, no responses were received from either individual, prompting the administration to take immediate disciplinary action. “Given the gravity of the situation and their failure to respond to the notices, I have exercised the authority vested in me under the land revenue rules to suspend both headmen from their duties with immediate effect,” said Sawhney.
The Collector emphasized the importance of cooperation from village leadership in the fight against stubble burning, stating that village headmen play a critical role in ensuring compliance with government regulations. “Their role is vital in both raising awareness and preventing harmful practices such as stubble burning. When they fail in their duties, it undermines the collective efforts of the district administration and endangers the environment and public health,” she added.
The suspension of the two headmen is part of a broader strategy by the district administration to hold village leaders accountable for lapses in enforcing environmental regulations. The administration has been working closely with farmers and local leaders to provide alternative solutions to stubble burning, such as offering equipment like Happy Seeders and Super Straw Management Systems, which help farmers manage paddy residue without burning it.
Collector Sawhney urged other village headmen to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure strict adherence to the anti-stubble burning campaign. “We have provided the necessary tools and resources to support farmers in managing crop residue effectively. Any negligence or non-compliance will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against those who fail to fulfill their duties,” she said.
The district administration is continuing its efforts to raise awareness among farmers about the dangers of stubble burning, which not only affects air quality but also leads to a loss of soil fertility. In recent years, stubble burning has become a major contributor to air pollution in states like Punjab and Haryana, causing health hazards for millions of people across northern India, including the capital region of Delhi.
The suspension of the two village headmen is seen as a warning to other local leaders to enforce compliance and prevent stubble burning during the ongoing paddy harvesting season. The administration has promised to remain vigilant and take immediate action against any violations of the anti-stubble burning directives.
