PSPCL Launches Special Drive to Protect Wheat Crops from Fire, establishes control room for fire prevention: ETO

PSPCL Launches Special Drive to Protect Wheat Crops from Fire, establishes control room for fire prevention: ETO

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 12,2025

Under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has initiated a special drive to educate farmers on safeguarding their wheat crops from fire.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced on Saturday that farmers are being advised to take necessary precautions to prevent fire hazards. The initiative aims to reduce fire incidents caused by loose or low-hanging electric wires, G.O. switches, and other electrical faults.

Control Room for Fire Prevention :

To address fire-related emergencies, a dedicated control room has been established. Farmers are urged to report any incident of fire immediately to their nearest Sub-Divisional Office or Complaint House. They can also contact the Control Room at 96461-06835, 96461-06836, or 1912. Additionally, anyone noticing loose or low-hanging electric wires or sparks can share the location and images via WhatsApp at 96461-06835.

Key Fire Safety Guidelines for Farmers :

The Power Minister shared essential fire prevention measures:

• Safe Harvesting Practices: Farmers should avoid storing harvested wheat under electric wires, near transformers, or close to G.O. switches. A one-marla area around transformers should be cleared in advance.
• Moisture Buffer Zone: A 10-meter radius around transformers should be kept wet to reduce fire risks in case of sparks.
• No Smoking Near Fields: Smoking, including the use of bidis or cigarettes, should be strictly avoided near wheat fields.
• Handling Electrical Equipment: Farmers must not touch electric lines with bamboo sticks or poles and should ensure that unauthorised persons do not tamper with live switches.
• Avoid Stubble Burning: Setting fire to wheat stalks and residues should be strictly avoided to prevent uncontrolled fires.
• Safe Harvester Combine Operations:

o Harvesters should only operate during daylight hours.

o Farmers should regularly check for sparks from machinery parts.

o Harvester combines should not come into contact with electric poles, wires, or cables.

• Vigilance Against Mischief: Farmers are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activities that could lead to fire incidents.

Emergency Reporting and Public Awareness :

If a fire occurs due to electrical faults, farmers should immediately inform PSPCL staff, Junior Engineers (JE), or Sub-Divisional Officers.

The Minister emphasised that this awareness drive is being disseminated through various mass media channels. He urged farmers to adhere to these guidelines to prevent any loss or damage and ensure a safe and successful harvest season.

Meanwhile, the Minister directed PSPCL to identify loose or low-hanging electric wires, G.O. switches, and other electrical faults, so that all these issues should be addressed with immediate effect.