Punjab Farm Fires Reach 5,517 as Authorities Register Over 1,200 FIRs

The cumulative count of crop residue burning incidents in Punjab has climbed to 5,517, as numerous agriculturalists persist in disregarding official advisories against the practice. Official data reveals that fresh stubble burning cases increased by 345 on Tuesday alone, elevating the total figure.

District-Wise Breakdown and Penalties

Ferozepur leads the state with 728 recorded farm fires, closely followed by Tarn Taran with 687, Sangrur with 628, and Bathinda with 499 cases. In response to these violations, environmental compensation fines exceeding Rs 85 lakh have been levied across 1,695 cases, with authorities successfully recovering more than Rs 37 lakh to date.

Legal Actions and Land Restrictions

State officials have initiated 1,259 First Information Reports under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience of public servant orders. Furthermore, authorities have stamped 1,637 red entries into the land records of individuals caught burning crop residue, an action that prevents affected landowners from selling their property or obtaining agricultural loans against it.

Seasonal Context and Historical Data

The annual monitoring window for agricultural fires commences on September 15, preceding the October 1 paddy procurement launch. Due to the limited turnaround time before planting Rabi wheat, certain individuals resort to burning leftover residue to clear fields rapidly. Historical comparisons show a downward trend, with the state logging 10,909 fires in 2024 and 36,663 in 2023, following 5,114 recorded instances during the 2025 paddy harvesting season.