Punjab's Stubble War: Special 'Parali' Force Deployed To Douse Farm Fires

This special report from India Today focuses on the persistent issue of stubble burning in Punjab and the government's multi-pronged strategy to combat it. The report features ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, the nodal officer for monitoring farm fires, who discusses the deployment of a 'Parali Protection Force' to engage with and take action against farmers. When asked about the effectiveness of filing FIRs, Shukla stated, 'Ma'am, it's not very effective, but then yes, there are some people who despite having all the facilities are putting it on fire.' The programme delves into the significant reduction in farm fire incidents, the role of the special force in 353 identified hotspots, and the increasing commercial viability of selling crop residue (parali), which presents a long-term solution to the annual environmental crisis.