Punjab: With 256 new cases reported on Monday, the state’s stubble burning count reached 2,518. Of the total, 1,585 cases (nearly 62%) have been reported in the last six days. Sangrur, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s home district, recorded the highest number of incidents on Monday at 61, followed by Tarn Taran and Ferozepur (27 each), Bathinda (22), Mansa and Moga (18 each). Overall, Tarn Taran (423), Sangrur (389), Amritsar (212), Ferozepur (207), Bathinda (134), and Patiala (130) have recorded the bulk of this season’s total. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, environmental compensation has been imposed in 917 cases and fines of over ₹4.7 million have been imposed, of which ₹2.2 million have been recovered. Police have registered 590 FIRs, while the Revenue Department has filed 841 “red entries” against violators. Air quality remained poor in major cities, with the AQI level reaching 161 in Amritsar, 166 in Jalandhar, 179 in Ludhiana, 181 in Khanna, 164 in Mandi Gobindgarh, 159 in Patiala, and 159 in Bathinda. Experts said the increased concentration of PM2.5 is causing breathing problems, especially in patients with lung diseases.
Two killed in road accident due to reduced visibility due to haze
Moga: Two people were killed when their motorcycle collided with a roadside tree here. The incident reportedly occurred due to poor visibility caused by dense haze caused by farm fires. The victims have been identified as Satpal Singh, a farmer from Rode village, and Bhagwan Deep, a migrant laborer from Uttar Pradesh. The accident occurred on Nagah Road. Police are investigating the cause, while villagers allege that thick smoke from stubble burning in the area significantly reduced visibility. The accident occurred in the evening when large tracts of fields along the road were reportedly set on fire. A police officer said, “The cause is being investigated and it does not appear to be related to stubble burning.”
