Stubble Burning Crisis in Punjab: 2,347 Cases, ₹40.37L Penalty

As paddy harvesting moves forward across Punjab, agricultural officials are grappling with a continuous surge in stubble burning activities. Data compiled by the Punjab Pollution Control Board up to November 4 reveals 2,347 reported cases of illegal field burning statewide. The regulatory body has responded by levying environmental fines worth ₹40.37 lakh, with ₹23.05 lakh already secured through recovery drives.

Regulatory inspections covered 1,942 farmlands, detecting active fires at 868 locations. In response to these violations, compensation orders were issued in 801 cases. Law enforcement and administrative bodies have taken stringent steps, registering 647 FIRs, updating 723 revenue records with red flags, and serving 689 official warning letters to landowners.

Provincial breakdowns show that Tarn Taran is the most affected area, with 558 cases logged. Firozpur accounts for 316 incidents, Amritsar for 207, Bathinda for 167, and Sangrur for 163. The widespread geographic spread of these reports indicates that stubble burning remains a deeply entrenched issue across the state.

Within Patiala district, officials have documented 110 incidents. On-site verification took place at 67 farms, confirming fires at 24 plots. Environmental fines were imposed on 15 cases, totaling ₹80,000, of which ₹35,000 has been collected. District-level enforcement includes 21 FIRs, 10 red entries in land records, and 25 precautionary notices.

State cultivation statistics indicate that 85.10 percent of the 32.87 lakh hectares dedicated to paddy have been reaped. Nevertheless, open burning incidents persist. The administration continues to deploy inspection teams, impose monetary penalties, and initiate legal proceedings. However, completely eradicating the practice from the fields continues to pose a significant operational challenge.