Punjab Records 52 Stubble-Burning Fires, One FIR Registered

Authorities have conducted field inspections in 42 of the reported incidents. Environmental compensation has been imposed in 11 cases across the state, amounting to Rs 55,000, of which Rs 25,000 has been recovered.

Amritsar has reported the highest number of incidents, with 30 fires recorded so far. Officials inspected 20 of the affected fields and found signs of crop burning at four locations. Environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 was imposed in one case and the full amount has been recovered.

Tarn Taran recorded eight incidents, followed by Ferozepur with five, Gurdaspur with three and Moga with two. Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar and Patiala reported one incident each.

In Tarn Taran, officials inspected all eight fields associated with the reported fires and found evidence of crop burning at five locations. Environmental compensation totalling Rs 20,000 was imposed in four cases, with Rs 10,000 recovered so far. Five red entries were also recorded in the relevant field records.

Ferozepur officials inspected all five fields where fires had been reported and confirmed signs of crop burning in each case. Compensation of Rs 20,000 was imposed in four cases, of which Rs 5,000 has been recovered. Four red entries were recorded in the field records.

In Patiala, the single reported fire was inspected and signs of crop burning were confirmed. Authorities imposed environmental compensation of Rs 5,000, while the case also resulted in the registration of an FIR.

Overall, one FIR has been registered in connection with the reported incidents. Authorities have also made nine red entries in field records and issued four warning or show-cause notices.

No chargesheets or suspension actions have so far been recorded against nodal or supervisory officers in connection with the stubble-burning incidents, according to the government data.