Punjab stubble burning spike raises pollution concerns

Punjab recorded 1,152 stubble burning incidents on November 8, the highest single-day increase reported this season, taking the state’s cumulative count to 4,459, according to figures provided in the source material.

The incidents marked a 34.8 per cent rise in farm fires over 24 hours. The seasonal tally has also surpassed the 3,316 cases recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Sangrur reported the highest number of fresh incidents at 194, followed by Ferozepur with 157 and Bathinda with 132. Patiala recorded 92 farm fires in a day, taking its seasonal total to 288.

Tarn Taran continued to lead Punjab in cumulative stubble burning cases, with 654 incidents reported so far. The figures indicate a sharp increase in crop residue burning across several districts.

Enforcement data cited in the source, attributed to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), showed that 884 FIRs have been registered. Environmental compensation amounting to Rs 62.55 lakh was imposed in 1,228 cases.

The rise in farm fires coincided with deteriorating air quality across Punjab. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) figures for November 9 placed the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mandi Gobindgarh at 399, close to the upper end of the very poor category.

Ludhiana recorded an AQI of 313, while Jalandhar stood at 298. Amritsar reported 234 and Patiala 210.

Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana were categorised as having very poor air quality, while Patiala fell in the poor category. The readings reflected elevated pollution levels in several urban centres amid the stubble burning season.

The latest figures underline the continuing challenge of containing crop residue fires in Punjab, even as enforcement measures, FIRs and financial penalties have been reported. The seasonal count now stands above the corresponding figure from last year. The latest one-day figures were reported across multiple districts in the state.