Stubble Burning Crisis Escalates in Punjab: Over 2,000 Farm Fires Reported

Punjab is once again grappling with a severe air quality crisis as stubble burning continues across the state. The air quality index (AQI) has sharply deteriorated in several cities, with Khanna recording 243, Mandi Gobindgarh 212, and Patiala 216. On Saturday alone, 442 new farm fire cases were reported, marking the highest single-day count this season.

The total number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab has now reached 2,084. In response, authorities have taken action, registering First Information Reports (FIRs) in 467 cases and making red entries in land records for 555 cases. Fines amounting to ₹34.05 lakh have also been imposed.

Tarn Taran district leads in violations with 423 incidents, followed by Sangrur (389) and Amritsar (212). Despite these measures, the rising numbers indicate an escalating situation that affects not only Punjab but also the wider northern belt.