Stubble Burning Hits 5,002 Cases in Punjab; Authorities Issue Fines and Over 1,100 FIRs

Punjab has recorded 5,002 stubble burning incidents during the ongoing paddy harvesting season, according to data released by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). In response to the widespread crop residue burning, state authorities have initiated strict legal and financial measures against defaulting farmers across multiple districts. As per the PPCB report updated through November 10, officials inspected 4,185 reported sites, confirming active farm fires at 1,833 locations across the state. Under the Environmental Compensation (EC) scheme, penalty notices have been issued in 1,574 cases, amounting to a total fine of ₹79.75 lakh, of which ₹36.40 lakh has been recovered so far. Additionally, law enforcement agencies filed First Information Reports (FIRs) in 1,155 instances, while the revenue department marked "red entries" in the land records of 1,342 farmers. Tarn Taran Leads Statewide Incidents; Regional Breakdown Tarn Taran district has registered the highest number of farm fire incidents in the state at 676. Out of 654 physical inspections conducted in the district, burning was verified at 310 sites. Ferozepur followed with 654 incidents, Sangrur with 566, Bathinda with 439, and Patiala with 339 cases. In Patiala district, out of 339 reported cases, 260 fields were inspected and burning was verified at 166 sites. Authorities imposed environmental compensation in 115 cases, levying a total fine of ₹5.80 lakh and collecting ₹2.40 lakh. Furthermore, Patiala officials registered 123 FIRs, made 97 red entries in revenue records, and issued 225 warning notices to farmers violating crop residue management regulations. Action Against Negligent Officials and Harvest Progress The PPCB report further highlighted administrative accountability, revealing that legal proceedings have been initiated against 18 nodal officers for negligence in curbing farm fires. These include five officers from Ferozepur and 13 from Tarn Taran. However, no charges have been formally framed nor suspensions ordered against any official thus far. Out of Punjab's total paddy cultivation area of 32.87 lakh hectares, harvesting has been completed across 96.10 percent of the land. Despite the harvesting season drawing to a close, stubble burning remains a major environmental challenge for the state administration and the pollution control board as teams continue field monitoring to enforce air quality standards.