Punjab farm fire cases surpass 2025 total as incidents rise
The state reported 515 stubble-burning incidents on Wednesday, bringing its cumulative seasonal count to 5,517 cases.
Punjab reported 515 farm fire incidents on Wednesday, causing the state's cumulative seasonal total to reach 5,517, according to The Times of India. This figure exceeds the 5,114 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. Across seven states, the total number of incidents has reached 10,466, with 874 cases reported on Wednesday alone.
Punjab accounts for 52.71 per cent of all farm fire incidents across the seven states. Other states reported 179 incidents in Madhya Pradesh, 129 in Uttar Pradesh, 40 in Rajasthan, eight in Haryana, three in Uttarakhand, and two in Delhi. Ferozepur has become the most affected district with 728 cases, followed by Tarn Taran with 687 and Sangrur with 628.
Authorities have taken several enforcement actions, including registering 1,155 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobeying public servant orders. Officials have also made 1,342 red entries in land records. Environmental compensation of Rs 79.75 lakh has been imposed in 1,574 cases, with Rs 36.40 lakh recovered so far.
The crackdown has also targeted officials. Warning and show-cause notices were issued to 1,247 nodal and supervisory officers. Additionally, 18 supervisory officers face prosecution under Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act, which includes potential fines of up to Rs 1 crore or imprisonment for up to five years for non-compliance.