Punjab registers 710 FIRs over stubble burning, imposes Rs 46.10 lakh fine

Chandigarh: Amid worsening air quality and rising pollution levels in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab continues to pose a challenge to the administration and complicate efforts to combat pollution.

According to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), a total of 2,787 incidents of stubble burning have been recorded across the State.

The findings, compiled under the CAQMS Monitoring and Enforcement Actions Report up to November 5, show that Patiala recorded 156 cases of stubble burning.

The report also indicates that environmental compensation (EC) fines totalling Rs 46.10 lakh were imposed in 914 cases, of which Rs 24.85 lakh has been recovered.

As many as 710 FIRs have been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with these incidents.

Additionally, ‘red entries’ were made in the revenue records in 829 cases.

The burning of agricultural residues, considered a key contributor to air pollution, has repeatedly been discouraged by the Union government. However, the practice continues at several locations.

According to the report, field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, and stubble burning was confirmed at 994 sites.

In Tarn Taran, inspections were carried out at 553 locations, with stubble burning confirmed at 294 sites. This was followed by Ferozepur with 361 incidents, Sangrur with 240, Amritsar with 221 and Bathinda with 216. Stubble burning was also confirmed at 163 locations in Ferozepur and 49 locations in Sangrur.

In Patiala district, 156 incidents of stubble burning have been recorded.

Field inspections were conducted at 103 locations, and fires were confirmed at 59 sites.

The report also said that compensation was imposed in 42 cases, totalling Rs 2.15 lakh, of which Rs 70,000 has been recovered.

Additionally, 27 FIRs have been registered in Patiala in connection with stubble burning, while ‘red entries’ have been made in the revenue records in 16 cases.

According to the report, the total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab is 32.87096 lakh hectares.

As of November 5, harvesting had been completed across 87.60 per cent of this area. About 786 show-cause notices had been issued across the State.

The PPCB figures indicate that measures such as inspections, imposition of fines, registration of FIRs and making ‘red entries’ in revenue records are being taken to curb stubble burning.

However, incidents of stubble burning continue to be reported in several districts of the State.