CM announces relief for farmers affected by crop fire incidents
Every summer, fire destroys crops in fields in various parts of the state. This year is no exception, with some cases reported from different districts recently. Taking a serious note of such fire incidents, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that affected farmers would be compensated. Additionally, the state government, while anticipating a further rise in such incidents has also issued directives to proactively tackle the situation and minimise damage to standing crops.
What compensation has the CM announced for farmers?
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced that affected farmers would be compensated. He said, farmers, who suffered losses, would receive assistance in the form of seeds and fertilisers for sowing crops, ensuring that they do not face any financial burden.” He also directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to compile reports of fire-related incidents. Saini advised affected farmers to submit their applications to the DC to ensure that the compensation process was completed promptly.
Why has government issued fresh directions regarding fire incidents?
The state government has issued urgent directions to all DCs in response to a surge in fire incidents reported from various parts of the state. These fires, common during summer and the harvesting season, pose a significant threat to crops, property and rural livelihoods.
What are the main causes of fire incidents on farms during summer?
As per experts, fires on farm lands are typically triggered by a combination of natural and human-induced factors. Soaring temperatures, dry crop residue and strong winds create a highly flammable environment. Stubble burning, machinery sparks and even electrical faults further contribute to the risk, especially when dry vegetation is abundant during the harvesting time.
What instructions have been given to enhance fire safety preparedness?
The DCs have been directed to ensure that all fire tenders, firefighting equipment and related infrastructure are fully operational round the clock. They must also deploy adequate trained personnel, during nights and holidays, with clearly assigned duty rosters to ensure immediate response for such incidents.
What is the objective behind the government’s directives?
The core objective is to boost fire safety preparedness and minimise damage during this high-risk period. By maintaining 24×7 readiness of personnel and equipment, the state government aims to reduce the response time and mitigate the impact of fire outbreaks on crops and property.
How will the government monitor fire safety efforts?
To ensure accountability, the government has instructed all DCs to review fire preparedness regularly and submit weekly reports to the authorities every Friday until the end of the harvesting season. The state government has stressed on the need for coordinated efforts between fire, police, agriculture and disaster management authorities and local administrations. Monitoring mechanisms at village and block levels have been put in place to enable early detection and reporting of fire incidents.
Are there any public awareness initiatives included?
Yes, the DCs have been instructed to run awareness campaigns in the rural and farming communities. These efforts aim to educate locals about fire safety practices and dangers of negligence, especially during the dry and high-risk harvest period.
Haryana Tribune