Stubble burning cases drop significantly in Punjab, 54 cases registered on Thursday
After a spike in previous days, a decline in stubble burning cases has been recorded in Punjab. On Thursday, 54 new cases surfaced in the state, taking the total season cases to 5,571.
A massive drop in stubble burning cases was witnessed in Punjab on Thursday. Following high numbers reported in the past few days, only 54 farm fire incidents were registered in the state on Thursday. With this, the total number of fire incidents during this season has increased to 5,571.
Earlier, 345 cases were registered in the state on November 10 and 515 cases on November 11. Concerns over air pollution had increased in Delhi and surrounding areas due to these suddenly rising cases. With cases dropping on Thursday, the administration has breathed a sigh of relief.
Ferozepur district has remained the most affected across the state, where 737 cases of stubble burning have been registered so far. In addition, 688 cases have been reported in Tarn Taran, 640 in Sangrur, 501 in Bathinda, 380 in Patiala, and 325 in Barnala.
Strict steps are being taken by the administration to prevent rule violations. A total of 1,259 FIRs have been registered so far under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for ignoring government orders. Out of these, 312 cases have been registered in Tarn Taran, 178 in Ferozepur, 153 in Patiala, 134 in Malerkotla, and 120 in Sangrur.
Furthermore, environmental compensation fines amounting to Rs 85.90 lakh have been imposed in 1,695 cases, out of which about Rs 37.55 lakh have been recovered. Red entries have also been recorded in the land records of 1,637 farmers. Show-cause notices have been issued to 1,435 nodal officers for dereliction of duty, and legal action has been initiated against 29 officers.
Meanwhile, on the directions of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Chairperson Rajesh Verma visited Punjab. He reviewed the ground situation by holding meetings with officials in Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna, and Patiala, and ordered strict action to be continued against stubble burning.
Key developments
- 54 new stubble burning cases registered in Punjab on Thursday, season's total reaches 5,571
- Ferozepur recorded the highest at 737 and Tarn Taran at 688 incidents
- 1,259 FIRs registered for violations across the state and Rs 85.90 lakh fine imposed
- Commission for Air Quality Management Chairperson visited Punjab districts to take stock of the situation
