Punjab stubble burning cases cross 3,300; 870 FIRs and Rs 60 lakh fine imposed

Stubble burning cases in Punjab have seen a further increase, with 3,307 incidents recorded across the state till November 7. According to the latest report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), stepping up action, the administration has registered 870 FIRs so far.

As per board data, environmental compensation (fine) amounting to Rs 60.60 lakh has been imposed for violating rules, out of which Rs 32.50 lakh has been recovered. Additionally, 1,004 'lal entries' (red entries) have been made in land records and 1,102 warning notices have been issued.

The report stated that officials visited and inspected 2,903 locations across the state, out of which stubble burning was confirmed at 1,275 places.

District-wise, Tarn Taran leads with 623 cases. This is followed by Firozpur with 435, Sangrur with 294, Bathinda with 274, and Amritsar with 235 incidents.

During this period, 196 cases were recorded in Patiala district, where after inspecting 157 places, farm fires were confirmed at 94 locations. In Patiala, a fine of Rs 3.45 lakh was imposed and Rs 1.25 lakh was recovered, along with 77 FIRs, 33 red entries, and 185 warning notices recorded in the district.

Earlier, till November 6, there were 3,144 farm fire cases and 795 FIRs registered in the state, while Rs 54.55 lakh was imposed as fines.

Key developments

• Total 3,307 stubble burning cases registered till November 7, confirmed at 1,275 places during inspection
• Number of FIRs against rule violators increased to 870
• Rs 60.60 lakh fine imposed as environmental compensation, Rs 32.50 lakh recovered
• 1,004 red entries recorded in land records so far
• Tarn Taran leading with 623 incidents, 435 cases registered in Firozpur