Punjab Stubble Burning: 52 Fire Incidents Reported, One FIR Registered

Punjab has reported 52 incidents of fires suspected to be linked to paddy stubble burning so far, with field inspections confirming signs of crop residue burning in 16 cases, according to government data released on Wednesday.

Authorities conducted physical verification in 42 of the reported cases. The inspections found evidence of crop residue burning at 16 locations, while action has been initiated in several confirmed cases.

Amritsar recorded the highest number of reported incidents, with 30 cases. Officials inspected 20 of the affected fields and found signs of crop burning at four locations. Environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 was imposed in one case and the entire amount was recovered.

Tarn Taran was next with eight reported incidents. All eight locations were inspected, with signs of crop burning confirmed at five fields. Environmental compensation totalling Rs 20,000 was imposed in four cases, of which Rs 10,000 has been recovered. Five red entries were also made in the relevant field records.

Ferozepur reported five incidents, with all five locations physically inspected and crop-burning signs confirmed in each case. Environmental compensation of Rs 20,000 was imposed in four cases, while Rs 5,000 has been recovered. Four red entries were recorded in the field records.

Gurdaspur reported three incidents, while Moga recorded two. Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar and Patiala reported one incident each.

In Patiala, the single reported incident was confirmed through field inspection. Environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 was imposed, and the case was also linked to the registration of an FIR.

Across Punjab, environmental compensation has been imposed in 11 cases, amounting to Rs 55,000 in total. Authorities have recovered Rs 25,000 of the amount so far.

Overall, one FIR has been registered in connection with the reported incidents. The authorities have also made nine red entries in the relevant field records and issued four warning or show-cause notices.

The government data showed that no chargesheets or suspension actions had been initiated against nodal or supervisory officers in connection with the incidents so far.

The figures come as Punjab enters the paddy harvesting period, when the burning of crop residue traditionally becomes a major concern because of its implications for air quality and regional pollution.