Patiala, May 5 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed a petition challenging the Punjab government's move to advance the paddy transplantation from June 15 to June 1 this year. The government's decision aims to enable the farmers to enhance their yield. The Tribunal stated that the plea lacked scientific backing or material evidence to prove environmental damage resulting from the decision.

The petition, filed by HC Arora, advocate in the Punjab and Haryana high court, had sought directions against the decision announced by chief minister Bhagwant Mann on March 23. Mann, while paying tribute at the memorial of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, had declared that the sowing of paddy would begin earlier to enable timely harvest and prevent ...