Punjab Faces Over 5,700 Cases of Crop Burning, Imposes Fines Exceeding ₹2 Crore
Punjab has recorded 5,785 incidents of stubble burning this year, incurring fines over ₹2 crore to combat the issue.
Chandigarh, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Punjab has reported a staggering 5,785 incidents of stubble burning this year, with 388 cases emerging from the Patiala district alone. As nearly 98% of rice harvesting is complete across the state, authorities are intensifying their efforts to curb these environmentally damaging practices.
According to the latest report from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), released on November 13, the state has seen a total of 5,785 stubble burning incidents during the current harvesting season. Inspections were conducted on 5,312 farms, confirming 2,347 cases on-site.
Following these inspections, the administration has registered 2,095 cases of environmental compensation, imposing fines totaling ₹2,09,15,000. Of this amount, ₹39,35,000 has already been collected.
In response to stubble burning, authorities have filed 1,669 FIRs and recorded 1,971 entries in land revenue records. Additionally, 1,603 warning notices have been issued to those involved.
In Patiala district, approximately 98% of rice harvesting is complete, with 388 incidents of stubble burning reported. Local data shows that 340 farms were inspected, leading to the confirmation of fires at 217 locations. The administration has registered 162 cases of environmental compensation in Patiala, imposing fines totaling ₹8.15 lakh, with ₹3 lakh already recovered.
The district has also seen 209 FIRs filed and 136 entries made in revenue records, along with 390 warning notices issued for regulatory violations.
Analysis reveals that Firozpur has the highest number of stubble burning incidents, with 794 cases reported, followed by Tarn Taran with 695 and Sangrur with 674. Patiala reported 388 incidents, while Ludhiana and Fazilka recorded 300 and 211 cases, respectively.
The report further noted that as of November 13, no charge sheets or suspension orders have been issued against any nodal or supervisory officers regarding this issue. While the rice harvesting process nears completion, officials continue to monitor the situation closely and take action against farmers who burn crop residues.
