Chandigarh, Oct 3: Punjab has reported no stubble-burning cases for three consecutive days, a rare occurrence at the start of the paddy harvesting season, as authorities tighten enforcement measures across the state.
According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the cumulative number of farm fire incidents since mid-September stands at 95. By comparison, 171 cases were recorded during the same period in 2024 and 456 in 2023.
“This decline is the result of strict monitoring and prompt action,” a PPCB official said, noting that compensation of ₹2.45 lakh has been imposed in 95 cases, with ₹1.90 lakh already recovered. Police have registered 53 FIRs, including 23 in Amritsar, under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience of lawful orders.
The Revenue Department has also marked 35 “red entries” in land records of violators, which block access to loans, land transactions, and even gun licenses. Twenty-four of these red entries were in Amritsar alone.
Air quality across Punjab remained stable during the past week. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of all major cities stayed below 100, a level considered satisfactory. Officials said the absence of fresh stubble burning had helped maintain air quality even during the Dussehra period, when fires typically surge.
Monitoring began on September 15, with early spikes reported on September 16, 17, and 18, when 18, 12, and 11 incidents were recorded respectively. Smaller flare-ups were noted on September 28 and 29, with eight and five cases each. On October 2 this year, no fire was reported, in stark contrast to 16 cases logged on the same date in 2024 and 119 cases in 2023.
To reinforce surveillance, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has deployed 22 scientists as part of a flying squad in Punjab. Officials, however, cautioned that the most critical phase lies ahead. “The period between October 15 and November 15 is the peak harvesting window. A majority of stubble burning usually takes place then,” an official said.
Authorities said they would continue aggressive enforcement to maintain the downward trend, even as pressure builds with the intensification of harvesting.
