Stubbubble burning cases cross 5,500 in Punjab, surpass last year's figure

Stubble burning cases inside Punjab have crossed the record of last year. A total of 5,517 incidents of setting crop residue on fire in fields have been registered so far this year, whereas during the same period in 2025 this count was 5,114. On Wednesday, during a single day, 515 new cases were recorded in the state.

Out of a total of 10,466 cases registered in seven states of North India, more than half, meaning 52.71 percent cases are related to Punjab alone. Among the remaining states, Madhya Pradesh is at the second place with 2,324 cases. Apart from this, 1,375 incidents were registered in Rajasthan, 818 in Uttar Pradesh, 216 in Uttarakhand, 214 in Haryana and only two incidents in the national capital Delhi.

Among the districts of the state, Ferozepur has emerged ahead with 728 cases, while 687 cases have surfaced in Tarn Taran. 628 cases in Sangrur, 499 in Bathinda, 374 in Patiala and 320 cases have been registered in Barnala. Especially in Ferozepur, Bathinda and Sangrur regions, incidents of fire have accelerated during the past few days.

Under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for violating orders, the administration has registered 1,155 cases. Red entries have been made on the accounts of 1,342 farmers in the revenue records. An environmental fine of Rs 79.75 lakh has been imposed on the violators, out of which about Rs 36.40 lakh has been recovered. Warning notices have been issued to 1,247 officials for negligence in monitoring and action has been initiated against 18 surveillance officers under a special Act. Nothing has yet been proved in court.

According to Punjab Agriculture Department Director Gurjit Singh Brar, the paddy harvesting work is nearly finished and wheat has been sown in more than half the area. Experts say that the period from 15 to 20 November is crucial for timely sowing of wheat, due to which farmers are under pressure to prepare the fields quickly for the next crop.

Due to smoke, air quality in prominent cities of Punjab remains critical. According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Jalandhar's Air Quality Index was recorded at 251, Khanna at 214 and Ludhiana at 209. Seeing the rising crisis of air pollution, the Supreme Court has also given directions to the capital region and adjoining states to clarify the position regarding steps to reduce emissions within two weeks.

Key developments

• Total stubble burning cases reached 5,517 in Punjab, which are higher than 2025 count
• 515 fresh fire incidents were recorded in the state on Wednesday
• Ferozepur became the most affected district with 728 cases, 687 cases in Tarn Taran
• 1,155 FIRs registered and 1,342 red entries made for rule violations
• Cases increased due to clearing fields early for wheat sowing