Jammu, April 21: JKPCC Kissan Congress Chairman Bharat Priye on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of crop fires during the wheat harvesting season, describing the situation as a “burning concern” that demands urgent government intervention.

Visiting Chibe Chak in Akhnoor subdivision, where recent fires destroyed standing wheat crops spread over nearly 80 kanals, he met affected farmers and assessed the damage. Priye said such incidents have become frequent in April due to dry weather conditions and sparks from overhead power lines, causing heavy losses at a crucial time just before harvest.
He stressed the need for immediate strengthening of fire response mechanisms in rural and agricultural areas. He demanded deployment of additional fire tenders in vulnerable regions like Pargawal, noting that a single fire tender currently serves over two dozen villages, which he termed grossly inadequate for timely response.
Priye also raised concern over similar incidents reported from R.S. Pura, Kathua, and Samba, saying repeated crop destruction due to short circuits, poor maintenance of power lines, and stray sparks is deepening agrarian distress in the region. He urged the government to ensure swift and adequate compensation for affected farmers through a transparent and efficient relief mechanism.
Holding the Power Development Department (PDD) accountable, he called for regular inspection and maintenance of transmission lines, replacement of damaged wiring, and proper insulation ahead of the harvesting season to prevent such incidents.
He further proposed a comprehensive preventive plan, including temporary fire stations in rural belts during harvest time, awareness drives for farmers on fire safety, and dedicated rapid response teams for agricultural zones.
Several local farmers, including Suman Deep Singh, Kalyan Singh, Multan Singh, Bira Singh, and Thoru Singh, also shared their grievances and sought immediate government support.