Patiala: Punjab has recorded 2,787 incidents of stubble burning so far this season, according to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) covering the period up to November 5, ANI reported from Patiala on November 6. Field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, with stubble burning confirmed at 994 of these sites.

Source: ANI (via Apna MA TV)

IANS, reporting the same PPCB report from Patiala, confirmed the same totals: 2,787 incidents, environmental compensation of Rs 46.10 lakh, and 710 FIRs registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Source: IANS (via Asia Post)

Tarn Taran leads, Patiala records 156 cases

District-wise, Tarn Taran leads with 586 incidents; inspections were carried out at 553 locations there, with stubble burning confirmed at 294 sites, ANI reported. The PPCB report as carried in the IANS syndication put Ferozepur next with 361 incidents, followed by Sangrur with 240, Amritsar with 221 and Bathinda with 216. In Patiala district, 156 incidents were recorded, ANI and IANS both reported.

914 compensation cases, 710 FIRs as enforcement widens

The report said environmental compensation totalling Rs 46.10 lakh has been imposed in 914 cases, of which Rs 24.85 lakh has been recovered so far. All 710 FIRs have been registered under Section 223 of the BNS, red entries have been made in revenue records for 829 cases, and prosecution proceedings have been initiated against the concerned officials in 18 cases, ANI reported.

What happens next

According to the PPCB, the total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab spans 32.87 lakh hectares, and as of November 5 harvesting had been completed across 87.60 per cent of this area — up from 85.10 per cent a day earlier. With the remaining crop still to be cleared, the PPCB's next daily reports will show whether the season total rises further in the final stretch of harvesting, and whether the FIRs, fines and red entries slow the fires.