Punjab: Punjab has recorded 2,787 incidents of paddy stubble burning as of 5 November, with environmental compensation totalling Rs 46.10 lakh imposed in 914 cases, according to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).
Field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, with stubble burning confirmed at 994 sites.
Of the Rs 46.10 lakh in environmental compensation imposed, Rs 24.85 lakh has been recovered so far. A total of 710 FIRs have also been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the incidents. In addition, 'red entries' have been made in revenue records in 829 cases.
Tarn Taran reports highest number of incidents
District-wise figures show that Tarn Taran recorded the highest number of stubble-burning incidents at 586. Inspections were carried out at 553 locations, with fires confirmed at 294 sites.
Ferozepur reported 361 incidents, followed by Sangrur with 240, Amritsar with 221, and Bathinda with 216. Stubble burning was confirmed at 163 locations in Ferozepur and 49 in Sangrur.
Patiala recorded 156 incidents. Field inspections were conducted at 103 locations, confirming stubble burning at 59 sites.
Environmental compensation totalling Rs 2.15 lakh was imposed in 42 cases in Patiala, of which Rs 70,000 has been recovered. A total of 27 FIRs have been registered in the district, while 'red entries' have been made in revenue records in 16 cases. A further 25 warning notices have been issued.
87.60 per cent of paddy area harvested
According to the PPCB report, Punjab has a total paddy cultivation area of 32.87096 lakh hectares. Harvesting had been completed across 87.60 per cent of this area as of 5 November.
Across the state, 786 warning or show-cause notices have been issued. Prosecution proceedings have also been initiated against the concerned officials in 18 cases.
The figures show that inspections, fines, FIRs, and entries in revenue records are among the measures being used to curb stubble burning. However, incidents continue to be reported across several districts.
