Building on the success of the ‘Harit Dhara, Saaf Vayu’ initiative in Jind—where over 10,000 hectares were managed and 20,325 tons of stubble burning prevented—the proposed program aims to extend this proven model to Kaithal and Sonipat over a 2.6-year period (October 2025 to March 2028). The goal is to reduce fire incidents by at least 90% in these districts through community engagement, on-field assistance, and the promotion of sustainable practices. These districts are strategically selected based on their AFL data, proximity to Delhi, local market access, farmer availability, and potential for impact. The program will also include a baseline survey to refine implementation and select target areas and crops.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the program will promote crop diversification into maize and sweet corn, which require less water, have shorter crop cycles (75–110 days), produce lower residue, and offer strong market demand. With government incentives and farmer interest, this approach supports both income generation and environmental benefits. By integrating proven stubble-burning reduction models with DSR and diversification, the initiative will curb residue burning, conserve water, and strengthen rural livelihoods.