Stubble burning cases cross 2,100 in Punjab, 494 FIRs registered

According to the latest report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, a total of 2,196 cases of stubble burning have been reported in the state till November 3 during this season. The administration has registered 494 FIRs so far regarding these incidents.

According to the board's figures, a total environmental compensation of Rs 32.05 lakh has been imposed as a fine in 636 cases, out of which Rs 20.60 lakh has been recovered.

The highest number of 545 cases has been registered in Tarn Taran district in the state. Incidents of farm fires have been reported at 305 places in Firozpur, 198 in Amritsar, 154 in Sangrur and 148 in Bathinda.

Apart from this, 108 cases have been registered in Gurdaspur, 93 in Patiala, 66 in Faridkot and 52 in Fazilka. 9 FIRs have been registered in Patiala district and a fine of Rs 40,000 has been imposed in seven cases.

Officials have inspected 1,487 fields so far, out of which fire was confirmed at 701 places and evidence of fire was found in 81 fields. During the action, red entries have been recorded in the revenue records of 527 fields.

Under charges of negligence, 609 warning notices have been issued and legal action has been initiated in 16 cases. According to the report, no challan has been presented in any case yet, nor has any nodal or monitoring officer been suspended.

Key developments

• 2,196 stubble burning cases registered in Punjab till November 3
• Tarn Taran leads the state with 545 incidents
• FIRs registered in 494 cases and red entry in records of 527 fields
• Fine of over Rs 32 lakh imposed in 636 cases