Rs 40 lakh compensation disbursed in wheat burning cases

Patiala, May 20 (UNI) Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) had disbursed a compensation amounting to Rs 40 lakh to farmers whose standing ripe wheat crop was burnt due to electric sparks from transformers or overhead wires during the harvesting season in April and May.

The compensation was awarded in 324 cases, PSEB Chairman Y S Ratra disclosed here today.

He said that in the remaining cases orders had been issued to pay the compensation after verification.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had instructed PSEB to conduct a survey with the help of the Deputy Commissioners to determine the loss suffered by farmers following the burning of their crop due to electric sparks.

Mr Ratra had identified 324 cases, out of which 46 cases were in South Zone, 52 cases in North Zone, 40 cases in Central Zone, 42 cases in Border Zone and 144 cases in West Zone.

UNI XC HS BK1811