12 November,2026 09:18 AM IST | Chandigarh | mid-day online correspondent
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Punjab has recorded 5,517 stubble-burning incidents during the ongoing paddy harvesting season, with Ferozepur reporting the highest number of cases at 728, according to the latest report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).
The report, updated till November 11, stated that Tarn Taran recorded 687 incidents, followed by Sangrur with 628 and Bathinda with 499. Patiala ranked fifth with 374 cases.
The figures come as harvesting across Punjab approaches completion, with 96.65% of the state's total paddy cultivation area of 32.87 lakh hectares already harvested. District administrations and pollution control authorities are continuing inspections and enforcement measures to curb crop residue burning.
Ferozepur topped the list of districts with the highest number of stubble-burning incidents, recording 728 cases. Tarn Taran followed with 687, while Sangrur reported 628 incidents.
Bathinda recorded 499 cases, followed by Patiala with 374. These five districts accounted for a significant share of the incidents reported across the state.
According to the PPCB report, authorities have inspected 4,620 fields across Punjab. Physical verification of stubble-burning incidents has been completed at 2,003 locations.
Environmental compensation of Rs 85.90 lakh has been imposed in connection with the reported cases, of which Rs 37.55 lakh has been recovered so far.
Authorities have also registered First Information Reports (FIRs) in 1,259 cases and made adverse entries, referred to as red entries, in the revenue records of 1,637 cases.
Additionally, 1,435 warning and show-cause notices have been issued to people allegedly involved in stubble burning as part of the enforcement measures.
Patiala district has recorded 374 stubble-burning incidents, placing it fifth among districts with the highest number of cases.
Around 98 per cent of the district's total paddy cultivation area of 2.314 lakh hectares has been harvested. Despite the progress in harvesting, authorities continue to report instances of crop residue burning.
Of the 374 reported incidents, officials have inspected 282 fields, while physical verification has been completed at 184 locations.
The district administration has imposed environmental compensation of Rs 6.70 lakh, of which Rs 2.60 lakh has been recovered. FIRs have been registered in 153 cases, while adverse entries have been made in the revenue records in 120 cases.
Patiala has also issued 390 warnings and show-cause notices, the highest number among districts in the state.
The PPCB report also identified fields where stubble burning was confirmed by non-Agriculture Field Level (non-AFL) officials. Three such fields were identified in Patiala district, while the total across Punjab stood at 147.
With 96.65 per cent of the paddy area harvested, authorities are continuing to monitor the remaining harvesting activity and take action against those found burning crop residue.
(With inputs from IANS)
