Punjab News: Punjab Sees Significant Drop in Stubble Burning Cases Amid New Measures

Punjab has witnessed a notable 50% reduction in stubble burning incidents this paddy harvesting season, according to recent reports. In the first 43 days from September 15 to October 27, only 1,995 cases of crop residue burning were recorded, down from 4,059 cases in the same period last year. This reduction is even more striking when compared to 2022 figures, reflecting a 75% decrease in farm fire incidents.

Increased Measures and Supreme Court Mandate Boost Results

Officials attribute the decline to intensified enforcement measures, including filing FIRs, imposing fines, and placing "red entries" in farmers’ records as directed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The CAQM's recent directives to Punjab and Haryana, following repeated interventions from the Supreme Court, have led to enhanced surveillance and enforcement actions to curb stubble burning. According to a senior official in the Punjab government, these steps have been instrumental in the recent improvements.

District-Wise Tracking and Environmental Compensation

On October 27, Ferozepur reported the highest number of cases at 32, with Sangrur following at 18. The state has also imposed environmental compensation fines totaling Rs 15.25 lakh to discourage the practice further. The collective efforts underscore Punjab’s dedication to reducing pollution and addressing environmental challenges proactively, setting a positive example for sustainable agriculture practices in the region.

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