The North News
Chandigarh, April 4
In a bid to tackle fire risks during Punjab’s wheat harvest season, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has established a dedicated control room to address fire hazards linked to electrical infrastructure. The initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard crops and minimise environmental damage as harvesting reaches its peak.
State Power Minister Harbhajan Singh said the control room would respond to emergencies caused by sagging electric wires and GO (Gang Operated) switches, which are known to spark and ignite dry crop residues. He encouraged farmers to report such dangers without delay to the nearest sub-divisional office, complaint centre, or the control room, reachable via mobile numbers 96461-06835, 96461-06836, or toll-free at 1912.
Farmers have also been asked to share photographs and locations of any visible electrical hazards using WhatsApp at 96461-06836 for swift action.
The Minister laid out key safety precautions to reduce the risk of fires in wheat fields. Farmers were advised not to stack harvested wheat under high-tension wires or near transformers. He recommended clearing a one-marla (approx. 25 square metres) radius around transformers and wetting a 10-metre area around field transformers to reduce fire vulnerability.
Singh also warned against the use of bamboo poles or sticks to manipulate live electrical lines, calling such actions both illegal and dangerous. Only authorised PSPCL personnel should operate GO switches, he stressed.
He reiterated the state’s ban on stubble burning, reminding farmers that burning wheat residues not only adds to pollution but also poses a high fire risk. Additionally, combine harvesters should only be used during daylight hours, with special attention given to any sparks or collisions involving electric infrastructure.
The Minister also raised concerns about the role of mischief-makers in triggering crop fires and called for community vigilance. Residents were urged to immediately inform PSPCL officials or control room staff if they spot any sparking or electrical fault.
