Punjab records 2,787 stubble burning cases with fines of Rs 46.10 lakh
The Punjab Pollution Control Board reported that 710 FIRs have been registered as authorities attempt to curb paddy stubble burning.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has recorded 2,787 incidents of paddy stubble burning across Punjab up to November 5, according to a report by ANI.
Field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, with stubble burning confirmed at 994 sites. Authorities have imposed environmental compensation (EC) fines totalling Rs 46.10 lakh in 914 cases, recovering Rs 24.85 lakh so far.
In connection with these incidents, 710 FIRs have been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, 'red entries' have been made in revenue records for 829 cases and 786 warning or show-cause notices have been issued across the state.
District-wise, Tarn Taran recorded the highest number of incidents with 586, followed by Ferozepur with 361, Sangrur with 240, Amritsar with 221, and Bathinda with 216. In Patiala, 156 incidents were recorded, with 59 confirmed through inspections and 27 FIRs registered.
The PPCB report noted that prosecution proceedings have been initiated against officials in 18 cases. As of November 5, harvesting has been completed across 87.60 per cent of the 32.87096 lakh hectares of paddy cultivation area in Punjab.