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- Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hair said that the government is working to help the farmers in stubble management.
- 1.25 lakh machines have been given on subsidy to the farmers of Punjab
- He said that industries are being encouraged to use stubble as fuel.
The Punjab government on Sunday made it mandatory for brick-kilns across the state to use 20 per cent straw as fuel. Environment, Science and Technology Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hair confirmed the development in Chandigarh.
He said that under the guidelines of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the government has issued a notification that 20 per cent straw pellets should be used as fuel for brick-kilns.
He also said that brick-kiln owners have been given six months to prepare for this new management and action will be taken against those who do not implement these instructions after May 1, 2023.
Hayer said that in-situ and ex-situ, the government is working to help farmers in stubble management and tackle the problem of pollution caused by stubble burning.
Punjab farmers have been provided 1.25 lakh machines on subsidy for in-situ stubble management, while, under ex-situ, industries are being encouraged to use stubble as fuel. The Minister said that efforts are being made to generate CNG, electricity and other energy sources from the straw.
Hayer said that the new decision to use straw as fuel will give a big boost to straw management and farmers will also get financial help from selling straw.
He said that the Department of Environment and Science and Technology would provide all kinds of technical assistance to the brick kilns. Also, under the notification issued in this regard, all the Deputy Commissioners have also been asked to follow these instructions.
(With inputs from IANS)
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