Punjab Records 5,517 Stubble-Burning Incidents; Ferozepur Leads with 728 Cases
Punjab has recorded 5,517 stubble-burning incidents during the ongoing paddy harvesting season, with Ferozepur reporting the highest number at 728 cases, according to the latest Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) report dated November 11. Tarn Taran follows with 687 incidents, while Patiala ranks fifth with 374 cases. According to the report, 96.65% of Punjab's total paddy area of 32.87 lakh hectares has been harvested so far. Despite the progress in harvesting, crop residue burning continues to be reported across several districts.
Punjab Takes Action Against Stubble Burning
As part of its enforcement drive, authorities have inspected 4,620 fields across the state and physically verified reported incidents at 2,003 locations. The authorities have imposed ₹85.90 lakh in Environmental Compensation (EC), of which ₹37.55 lakh has been recovered. Additionally, 1,259 FIRs have been registered, while 1,637 red entries have been made in revenue records. Officials have also issued 1,435 warnings and show-cause notices to people allegedly involved in stubble burning.
Ferozepur Leads, Tarn Taran Second in Farm Fires
The five districts with the highest number of stubble-burning incidents are:
Ferozepur: 728 cases
Tarn Taran: 687 cases
Sangrur: 628 cases
Bathinda: 499 cases
Patiala: 374 cases
Patiala Records 374 Incidents Despite 98% Harvesting
In Patiala, approximately 98% of the total paddy area of 2.314 lakh hectares has been harvested. However, the district has reported 374 stubble-burning incidents. Officials have inspected 282 fields and completed physical verification at 184 locations. The district administration has imposed ₹6.70 lakh in Environmental Compensation, of which ₹2.60 lakh has been recovered. Furthermore, 153 FIRs have been registered, and red entries have been made in revenue records in 120 cases. Patiala has also issued 390 warnings and show-cause notices, the highest number among all districts in Punjab.
147 Fields Identified Through Non-AFL Verification
The report further states that 147 fields across Punjab have been identified by non-Agriculture Field Level (non-AFL) officials where stubble burning was confirmed. Of these, three fields are located in Patiala district.
Authorities continue to monitor farm fires and take enforcement action against those found burning crop residue amid concerns over rising pollution levels in North India.