Patiala, Nov 6: Punjab continues to grapple with the problem of stubble burning despite intensified government action, with 2,787 farm-fire incidents reported across the state so far this season. Authorities have imposed environmental compensation of Rs 46.10 lakh, registered 710 FIRs and initiated several enforcement measures against violators.
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According to the latest report released by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), covering enforcement activities up to November 5, officials conducted field inspections at 2,194 locations out of the total reported incidents. Stubble burning was confirmed at 994 locations.
The report stated that environmental compensation was imposed in 914 cases, amounting to Rs 46.10 lakh. However, only Rs 24.85 lakh has been recovered so far.
In addition to financial penalties, authorities registered 710 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with stubble-burning incidents. Red entries were also recorded in the revenue records of 829 cases.
Tarn Taran Leads in Farm-Fire Incidents
Among Punjab’s districts, Tarn Taran reported the highest number of stubble-burning incidents, with 586 cases. Officials inspected 553 locations and confirmed crop-residue burning at 294 sites.
Ferozepur ranked second with 361 reported incidents, followed by Sangrur with 240, Amritsar with 221 and Bathinda with 216 cases.
In Ferozepur, field inspections confirmed stubble burning at 163 locations, while Sangrur recorded 49 confirmed cases.
Patiala Reports 156 Incidents
Patiala district recorded 156 stubble-burning incidents during the monitoring period. Of these, officials inspected 103 locations and confirmed burning at 59 sites.
Environmental compensation amounting to Rs 2.15 lakh was imposed in 42 cases, of which Rs 70,000 has been recovered.
The district also registered 27 FIRs related to stubble burning, while red entries were made in revenue records in 16 cases. Authorities issued 25 warning notices to those allegedly involved in the practice.
87.60% Paddy Harvesting Completed
The PPCB report further revealed that Punjab has a total paddy cultivation area of 32.87096 lakh hectares. By November 5, harvesting had been completed across 87.60 per cent of the cultivated land.
Across the state, authorities have issued 786 warning and show-cause notices as part of the enforcement drive. Prosecution proceedings have also been initiated against concerned officials in 18 cases.
Despite financial penalties, criminal cases, field inspections and administrative action, farm fires continue to pose a significant environmental challenge in Punjab.
The latest figures underline the difficulties faced by authorities in curbing the seasonal practice, which contributes to air pollution and deteriorating air quality across northern India, particularly during the post-monsoon period.
