Punjab records 2,787 farm fires, 710 FIRs filed over stubble burning

Punjab recorded 2,787 incidents of stubble burning between September 15 and November 5, with 440 fresh farm fires reported in a single day, according to official data released on Friday. The figures highlighted the continuing challenge of crop-residue burning despite enforcement measures and repeated warnings to farmers.

Tarn Taran emerged as the worst-affected district, reporting 586 incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 361 cases. Sangrur recorded 240 incidents, Amritsar 221, Bathinda 216 and Patiala 156 during the monitoring period.

The state's cumulative count stood at 2,347 on November 4 before rising to 2,787 the following day, reflecting a sharp increase in farm fires as paddy harvesting continued across agricultural districts.

𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀

According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, of which stubble burning was confirmed at 994 sites.

Tarn Taran accounted for the largest share of reported incidents, with authorities conducting inspections at 553 locations and confirming crop-residue burning at 294 sites.

In Ferozepur, burning was confirmed at 163 locations, while Sangrur recorded 49 confirmed cases during inspections.

The latest figures also showed a concentration of fresh incidents in the Malwa region. Sangrur reported 77 new farm fires, followed by Bathinda with 49, Patiala with 46, Ferozepur with 45 and Barnala with 33.

The rise came as paddy harvesting approached completion across much of Punjab, leaving farmers with a limited period to clear crop residue before sowing wheat.

𝗥𝘀 𝟰𝟲 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱

Authorities imposed environmental compensation amounting to Rs 46.10 lakh in 914 cases of stubble burning, of which Rs 24.85 lakh had been recovered.

Police also registered 710 first information reports in connection with the incidents, including 294 cases in Tarn Taran district.

The FIRs were registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with disobedience of orders issued by public servants.

In addition to financial penalties and criminal cases, authorities made red entries in revenue records in 829 instances and issued 786 warning notices across the state.

The PPCB report also recorded action against officials in 18 cases for alleged negligence in enforcing measures to prevent crop-residue burning.

In Patiala, where 156 incidents were reported, authorities confirmed burning at 59 locations following inspections. Environmental compensation of Rs 2.15 lakh was imposed in 42 cases, while Rs 70,000 had been recovered.

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Taking serious note of the high number of farm fires, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held a review meeting on Wednesday with senior administrative and police officials from 12 districts of Punjab.

CAQM chairperson Rajesh Verma presided over the meeting through video conferencing, which was attended by the state's environment and agriculture secretaries, deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police.

The commission directed officials to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent further incidents of stubble burning.

It also emphasised that nodal officers should be held accountable for failures in monitoring agricultural fires and implementing preventive measures.

The review came amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas, where pollution levels typically worsen during the post-monsoon period.

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲

Punjab's annual farm-fire monitoring period begins on September 15, approximately two weeks before paddy procurement starts on October 1.

According to the PPCB report, paddy harvesting had been completed across 87.60 per cent of the state's 32.87 lakh hectares under the crop by November 5.

Farmers generally have a narrow window between harvesting paddy and preparing fields for the subsequent wheat crop. Burning crop residue remains a relatively inexpensive and quick method of clearing fields, particularly where agricultural machinery is unavailable or costly.

The Centre has been promoting crop-residue management through subsidies for equipment such as Happy Seeders, Super Seeders, balers and mulchers, alongside measures to encourage the industrial use of paddy straw.

However, the latest figures indicate that farm fires continue to be reported across several districts despite financial penalties, police action and administrative monitoring.

With harvesting still underway in parts of the state, authorities face the challenge of preventing further incidents while addressing the wider environmental impact of agricultural residue burning.