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The state reported 510 farm-fire incidents by October 22, with Tarn Taran and Amritsar recording the highest numbers as authorities stepped up inspections and penalties. (Images: X)
Patiala: Punjab has reported 510 stubble-burning incidents as of October 22, highlighting the continuing challenge of controlling crop residue fires despite enforcement measures across the state. According to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), authorities have conducted physical inspections in 467 cases and imposed environmental compensation in 184 cases.
The report states that stubble burning was confirmed at 195 locations. Environmental compensation amounting to Rs 9.30 lakh has been imposed, of which Rs 4.93 lakh has been recovered so far.
Tarn Taran recorded the highest number of reported incidents, with 247 cases. Authorities inspected 229 of these cases and imposed environmental compensation in 97. Amritsar followed with 136 reported incidents. Inspections were conducted in 127 cases, while environmental compensation was imposed in 51 cases. The figures place the two districts at the centre of Punjab’s stubble-burning challenge, underlining the need for continued monitoring and enforcement in areas reporting a high number of farm fires.
Other districts also reported crop residue burning incidents. Gurdaspur recorded 32 cases, followed by Ferozepur with 26 and Kapurthala with 18. Fazilka and Jalandhar reported nine incidents each. Patiala recorded five incidents, of which four were inspected. Environmental compensation was imposed in three cases. However, some district-wise figures in the report appear inconsistent with the overall state tally. The discrepancy warrants verification before the figures are treated as a complete account of the situation across Punjab.
PPCB report also outlines action concerning officials responsible for monitoring and preventing stubble burning. Warning notices were issued to 227 nodal and supervisory officers. Records relating to the role of nodal officers and other concerned staff were documented in four cases.
Four FIRs have been registered, while 166 red entries have been recorded, according to the report. No departmental charge sheets have been issued and no suspension orders have been passed against the officers concerned.
Authorities have imposed environmental compensation totalling Rs 9.30 lakh in connection with stubble-burning cases. Of this amount, Rs 4.93 lakh has been recovered, leaving Rs 4.37 lakh yet to be recovered, based on the reported figures. Environmental compensation is among the measures used by authorities to discourage violations and strengthen compliance with restrictions on crop residue burning.
Stubble burning remains a recurring concern during the paddy harvest season, when farmers face pressure to clear fields quickly for the next crop. Smoke from agricultural fires can contribute to deteriorating air quality, making prevention and enforcement important public concerns. Punjab’s reported 510 incidents show that the practice continues despite inspections, financial penalties and action against violations. The latest figures also highlight the importance of accurate reporting, effective field-level monitoring and follow-up on imposed compensation. As the campaign continues, the effectiveness of enforcement measures and the recovery of outstanding compensation will remain key indicators to watch.
The figures cited in this report are based on the PPCB report described above,as of October 22, 2026. The apparent discrepancy between certain district-wise figures and the state total requires clarification from the authorities.
