East Bardhaman: Stubble Burning Worsens Pollution, Soil Fertility; Action Sought

• Stubble burning is rampant in East Bardhaman, West Bengal, mirroring practices seen in Punjab and Haryana.
• The practice causes severe environmental pollution and diminishes soil fertility by destroying beneficial microorganisms.
• Despite repeated awareness campaigns, farmers continue to burn stubble after machine harvesting, leading to accidents.
• Locals and social workers are urging the administration to take stricter legal action against farmers involved in stubble burning.
• District agricultural officials suggest penalizing landowners to effectively curb the widespread practice.

Why It Matters: East Bardhaman's crop burning severely damages environment, soil, and public health.