Stubble burning incidents continue to rise in Punjab despite government efforts and repeated advisories urging farmers not to burn crop residue. The total number of reported cases in the state has increased to 5,517, with Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Sangrur recording the highest numbers.
 

According to official data, Punjab reported 345 fresh stubble burning incidents on Tuesday, taking the cumulative tally to 5,002. By Wednesday, the total had further increased to 5,517.
 

Ferozepur has reported the highest number of incidents at 728. Tarn Taran follows with 687 cases, while Sangrur has recorded 628 and Bathinda 499 incidents.
 

Between September 15 and November 9, a total of 4,657 stubble burning incidents were recorded across Punjab. As part of enforcement measures, environmental compensation fines exceeding Rs 85 lakh have been imposed in 1,695 cases. More than Rs 37 lakh has already been recovered.
 

Authorities have also registered 1,259 FIRs under the relevant provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The provision deals with violations of orders issued by public servants.
 

In addition, officials have entered 1,637 red entries in the land records of farmers found burning crop residue. Such entries restrict farmers from obtaining loans against the affected agricultural land or selling it.
 

The annual monitoring of farm fire incidents in Punjab begins on September 15, around two weeks before the procurement of paddy starts on October 1.
 

Farmers generally have a limited window to prepare their fields for sowing wheat, the major rabi crop, after harvesting paddy during October and November. As a result, some farmers resort to burning crop residue to clear their fields quickly for the next sowing season.
 

The figures for previous years show that Punjab recorded 5,114 stubble burning incidents during the 2025 paddy harvesting season. The state had reported 10,909 such incidents in 2024 and 36,663 in 2023.