Chandigarh. So far this year, 5,785 incidents of stubble burning have been reported in Punjab, including 388 cases in Patiala district. Nearly 98 percent of paddy harvesting work has been completed across the state. The Punjab administration has increased its strictness to stop incidents of stubble burning and has imposed 'environmental compensation' of over Rs 2.09 crore. According to the latest report of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) released on November 13, a total of 5,785 incidents of stubble burning have been recorded across the state in the current harvesting season.
According to the report, 5,312 farms were inspected to detect incidents of stubble burning, out of which 2,347 incidents were confirmed on the spot. After inspection, 2,095 cases of 'Environment Compensation' (EC) were registered and a total fine of Rs 2,09,15,000 was imposed. Out of this amount, Rs 39,35,000 has been recovered so far.
The administration has registered 1,669 FIRs in connection with incidents of stubble burning, while 'red entries' have been made in 1,971 land revenue records. Apart from this, 1,603 warning notices have also been issued to the people concerned.
Nearly 98 percent of paddy harvesting work has been completed in Patiala district and so far 388 incidents of stubble burning have been reported. According to district level data, 340 farms were inspected and fire incidents were confirmed on the spot at 217 places. The administration registered 162 cases of 'environmental compensation' in Patiala and imposed a total fine of Rs 8.15 lakh, of which Rs 3 lakh has been recovered.
209 FIRs were registered in the district, while 'red entries' were made in 136 revenue records. A total of 390 warning notices were issued regarding violations of the rules. District-wise analysis shows that Firozpur recorded the highest number of incidents of stubble burning at 794. After this, 695 incidents were reported in Tarn Taran and 674 in Sangrur. 388 incidents were recorded in Patiala, 300 in Ludhiana and 211 in Fazilka.
The report further states that till November 13, neither any charge sheet has been issued nor any suspension order has been issued against any nodal or supervisory officer in the state.
The paddy harvesting process is nearing completion, but officials are continuously monitoring the situation and taking action against farmers burning crop residue (stubble) in their fields.