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Chandigarh, November 15 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab has recorded 5,835 stubble burning incidents across 23 districts following the paddy harvest, with Patiala reporting the highest number at 391, according to a report released by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The report, covering data up to Saturday, stated that field-level inspections were conducted at 5,539 locations across the state, confirming crop residue burning at 2,442 sites. Authorities have initiated enforcement action against farmers and officials in several cases.
In Patiala, inspections were carried out at 356 of the 391 reported locations, confirming stubble burning at 225 sites. Environmental Compensation (EC) was imposed in 166 cases, with penalties totaling Rs 8.35 lakh. Of this amount, Rs 3.10 lakh has been recovered.
The district also recorded 215 FIRs related to stubble burning, while red entries were made in revenue records in 139 cases. The administration issued 390 warnings and show-cause notices to nodal and supervisory officers. However, no prosecution, charge sheets or suspensions of officials had been recorded in the district, the report said.
At the state level, Environmental Compensation was imposed in 2,152 cases, with penalties totaling Rs 1,08,55,000. Of this, Rs 40,40,000 has been recovered so far.
Punjab also recorded 1,834 FIRs and 2,015 red entries in revenue records in connection with stubble burning. Prosecution proceedings against officials were initiated in 35 cases, while 1,607 warning and show-cause notices were issued to officials at various levels.
According to the report, Punjab has 32.87 lakh hectares under paddy cultivation, and harvesting had been completed on approximately 98 per cent of the total area by Saturday.
Authorities continue to monitor agricultural areas and enforce measures to prevent further crop residue burning, which contributes to air pollution during the post-harvest season.