Punjab records 2,347 stubble burning incidents with Tarn Taran highest
The Punjab Pollution Control Board reported that Rs 23.05 lakh in environmental fines has been recovered so far.
Punjab has recorded 2,347 incidents of stubble burning, according to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) published by The Shillong Times. Tarn Taran district reported the highest number of cases with 558 incidents.
The PPCB report, which covers data up to November 4, states that environmental fines totalling Rs 40.37 lakh have been imposed. Of this amount, officials have recovered Rs 23.05 lakh. Officials said that stubble burning continues to be a challenge for the administration during the paddy harvesting season.
District-wise data shows Ferozepur recorded 316 cases, followed by Amritsar with 207, Bathinda with 167, and Sangrur with 163. In Patiala, 110 incidents were recorded after officials inspected 67 locations and confirmed fires at 24 of them. In Patiala, a fine of Rs 80,000 was levied, with Rs 35,000 recovered.
The PPCB report indicates that 1,942 fields were inspected, confirming fires at 868 locations. Administrative actions include the registration of 647 FIRs and the issuance of 689 warning notices. Additionally, red entries were made in revenue records for 723 cases.
Regarding crop progress, the PPCB reported that harvesting is finished on 85.10 per cent of the state's 32.87 lakh hectares of paddy area. Officials said that while inspections and fines are being conducted, completely stopping the practice of burning fields remains a significant challenge.