Stubble burning cases rise in 11 Punjab districts compared to last year
As many as 11 out of 23 districts in Punjab have recorded an increase in stubble-burning incidents compared to last year, while the total number of cases in the state has reached 2,347.
According to the latest district-wise data from the Punjab government, 11 out of 23 districts in the state have recorded a rise in stubble-burning cases compared to last year. However, the overall state figure has seen a decline of about 17.3 percent compared to the same period last year.
Gurdaspur district has witnessed the biggest surge, where farm fires have more than doubled from 58 last year to 118. In Tarn Taran too, the figure has gone up from 506 to 558.
Additionally, cases in Firozpur increased from 296 to 316, Barnala from 66 to 83, Faridkot from 52 to 67, Fazilka from 49 to 54, Jalandhar from 48 to 67, and Kapurthala from 110 to 118. Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar also registered more cases than last year.
On the other hand, a total of 2,347 stubble-burning cases have been recorded across Punjab till November 4, whereas 2,839 incidents had taken place during the same period last year. In Sangrur, cases dropped to 163 this year compared to 510 last year, and declines were also seen in Amritsar and Mansa.
According to government data, 85.10 percent of paddy harvesting was completed by November 4, which is slightly slower compared to 87.97 percent last year. The period up to November 15 is considered suitable for wheat sowing, putting pressure on farmers to prepare their fields early.
Amid the ongoing stubble-burning season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 200 in several cities of Punjab, and haze has engulfed many areas.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Chairperson Rajesh Verma held a video conference with officials from 12 districts and ordered intensified monitoring. He stated that accountability of nodal officers will be fixed for failing to prevent farm fires and strict action will be taken against negligence.
Key developments
- Stubbling burning incidents increased in 11 out of 23 Punjab districts compared to last year
- Cases in Gurdaspur rose from 58 to 118 and reached 558 in Tarn Taran
- A total of 2,347 cases registered statewide till November 4, 17.3% lower than last year
- Air quality worsened as AQI crossed 200 in several cities
- CAQM directs fixing accountability of nodal officers and strict action
