Punjab Imposes Environmental Compensation in 184 Stubble Cases

Patiala, October 23: Environmental compensation has been imposed in 184 cases of paddy stubble burning in Punjab, according to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. The report, covering the period up to October 22, records a total of 510 incidents statewide.

So far, 467 of these cases have undergone physical inspection. The board has also identified 195 locations where stubble burning was confirmed.

Records relating to nodal officers or related staff have been noted in four cases. The report puts the total environmental compensation imposed at Rs 9.30 lakh, with Rs 4.93 lakh recovered.

Amritsar reported 136 incidents, of which 127 were inspected and 51 cases attracted environmental compensation. Tarn Taran recorded the largest number of incidents at 247, with 229 inspected and 97 cases penalised.

The district-wise numbers, however, do not match the overall state total in the report, and the figures require verification.

Gurdaspur logged 32 incidents, Firozpur 26, and Kapurthala 18. Fazilka and Jalandhar each reported nine. In Patiala, five incidents were recorded, four were inspected, and compensation was imposed in three.

The report also cites 227 warning notices issued to nodal and supervisory officers, four FIRs registered, and 166 red entries recorded. No departmental chargesheets or suspension orders have been issued against officials.

The administration says it is continuing surveillance and enforcement against stubble burning. Still, the rising incident count and the gap between imposed and recovered compensation highlight the need for sustained monitoring and stricter implementation.