Punjab records 5,517 stubble burning cases, Firozpur leads

A total of 5,517 cases of stubble burning have been recorded in Punjab during the current paddy harvesting season. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, Firozpur district is leading the state with 728 incidents.

According to the board's report, Tarn Taran is second with 687 cases, Sangrur third with 628 cases, and Bathinda fourth with 499 cases. Patiala district is in fifth place with 374 cases.

As per data till November 11, paddy harvesting has been completed on 96.65 percent of Punjab's total area of 32.87 lakh hectares. Due to high levels of pollution in northern India, authorities are continuously monitoring the situation.

Across the state, officials have inspected 4,620 fields and visited 2,003 locations for investigation. An environmental compensation of Rs 85.90 lakh has been imposed for violating rules, out of which Rs 37.55 lakh has been recovered.

Additionally, the administration has registered 1,259 FIRs, made 1,637 red entries in the land records, and issued 1,435 warnings and show-cause notices. In the state, 147 fields have been identified as stubble burning sites by non-agricultural field officials.

In Patiala district, nearly 98 percent of harvesting out of 2.314 lakh hectares has been completed. The district has registered 153 FIRs and issued the highest number of 390 warnings and show-cause notices.

Key developments

• 5,517 stubble burning cases reported in Punjab till November 11
• Highest 728 incidents in Firozpur and 687 in Tarn Taran recorded
• 1,259 FIRs and 1,637 red entries registered across the state so far
• Rs 85.90 lakh imposed as environmental compensation, out of which Rs 37.55 lakh recovered