Incidents of paddy stubble burning in Punjab continue to pose a challenge for the administration. According to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) covering the period up to November 5, a total of 2,787 incidents of stubble burning have been recorded across the state. Field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, with stubble burning confirmed at 994 of these sites.
The report indicates that environmental compensation (EC) fines totalling ₹46.10 lakh have been imposed in 914 cases, of which Rs 24.85 lakh has been recovered so far. Furthermore, 710 FIRs have been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with these incidents. Additionally, ‘red entries’ have been made in the revenue records for 829 cases.
