The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data reveals that there have been 353 incidents of stubble burning in Punjab this season, with Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts being the most affected. The number of farm fire cases in the state has surged over the last 10 days, with 116 cases reported by October 11.
Tarn Taran district leads with 125 cases of stubble burning, followed by Amritsar with 112 cases. Despite the state government’s appeals to halt the practice, many farmers are continuing to burn crop residue.
Between September 15 and October 20, Punjab witnessed a total of 353 farm fire incidents. Other districts also reported cases, including 27 in Ferozepur, 23 in Patiala, and eight in Sangrur. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often cited as a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
With the narrow gap for the Rabi crop planting after the paddy harvest, farmers resort to burning fields to clear residue for the next crop. The PPCB has already imposed fines totaling over Rs 8 lakh in 162 cases, with Rs 5.65 lakh already collected.
Moreover, 149 FIRs have been filed for stubble burning, with Tarn Taran and Amritsar leading in the number of cases. The state government is actively promoting the use of crop residue management machinery to combat stubble burning, despite its prevalence among farmers.
In 2024, Punjab recorded 10,909 farm fires, a significant drop from 36,663 in 2023, indicating a 70% decrease. Over the years, the state has seen fluctuations in fire events, with districts like Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda, and Amritsar witnessing high numbers of stubble burning incidents.