Soon after satellite images showed stubble burning in the district, Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh banned burning of crop residue in the district and warned of strict action against those who would not comply with it.

In orders issued on Thursday evening, Singh banned burning of crop residue and warned erring farmers to act under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

The ban will remain in effect for an initial period of two months. The orders state that this practice must be stopped, as it often causes fires to burn out of control, damaging properties, natural vegetation and wildlife, and also results in loss of soil fertility.

Singh also highlighted the damage caused to the environment and the resulting loss of human and animal life and biodiversity.

He called on farmers to desist from the practice and asked officials in the administration and police stations to monitor their areas and ensure that the ban is strictly enforced.

They will take immediate action against those violating the order, Singh said. These orders follow a significant decline in the quality of breathing air in and around the state capital.