PPCB Data Shows 2,196 Stubble Burning Reports in Punjab

Environmental regulators in Punjab report that crop residue fires remain a persistent issue despite ongoing government initiatives. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) published its latest assessment on November 3, detailing the extent of illegal field burning across the state.

The board’s records indicate 2,196 total incidents of stubble incineration. Regulatory departments have imposed fines in 636 distinct cases, aggregating to ₹32.05 lakh. Cash collection efforts have yielded ₹20.60 lakh in recovered penalties.

Geographic distribution shows Taritaran district leading with 545 reported fires. Firozpur records 305 cases, Amritsar 198, Sangrur 154, and Bathinda 148. Additional incidents are noted in Gurdaspur (108), Faridkot (66), and Fazilka (52).

Patiala district data reflects 93 cases of burning. Field patrols inspected 39 areas, confirming active fires at 10 locations. Administrative penalties amounting to ₹40,000 were assigned to seven cases, with ₹20,000 already secured. Enforcement actions include nine filed FIRs, ten land records flagged in red, and ten advisory warnings issued to farmers.

On a broader scale, inspectors have examined 1,487 agricultural sites. Burning has been verified at 701 points, and residual burn evidence exists at 81 other sites. Legal documentation includes 494 FIRs, 527 property records marked for scrutiny, and formal legal steps initiated in 16 cases.

The official documentation notes an absence of suspension orders or charge sheets against overseeing officials for compliance failures. However, authorities have circulated 609 warning notices to improve accountability. With new cases emerging continuously, the findings highlight a critical gap between enforcement actions and on-ground reality, stressing the necessity of comprehensive awareness campaigns and rigorous patrol mechanisms to curb the seasonal blight.