Punjab: Farm fires near 100, experts warn of increase

Punjab: A total of 95 farm fires have been reported in Punjab over the past 15 days. No such incidents were reported on Tuesday. However, experts predict an increase in fires in the coming days as harvesting begins in the Malwa region of Punjab. So far, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of ₹2.30 lakh in 95 cases, of which ₹1.80 lakh has been recovered from farmers found involved in stubble burning. Fifty-one FIRs have been filed under Section 223 of the IPC for criminal disobedience to a lawful order issued by a public servant. According to a PPCB official, the Revenue Department has filed 33 red entries. Red entries in farmers’ revenue records mean that those involved in stubble burning will not be able to take loans, mortgage, or sell their land. Furthermore, farmers will also be denied gun licenses. Five FIRs have also been registered against unidentified individuals for setting fire to paddy stubble.
Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained below 100 in all major cities of the state, which is considered satisfactory. Monitoring of stubble burning began on September 15. According to available data, 95 incidents of farm fires have been observed till September 30, compared to 129 in the same period last year and 147 in 2023. Of the total fire incidents recorded till Tuesday, 57 percent occurred in Amritsar, with 55 incidents. However, experts say this is a temporary respite and incidents of farm fires may increase again in the coming days. “Amritsar has seen a spike in farm fires as early-sown crops for sowing potatoes and other vegetables have been harvested. In a few days, the crop will be ready in Malwa – this is the time when stubble burning incidents may increase again,” said a PPCB expert.