Farm fire incidents in Punjab have nearly doubled in a week, with 194 cases recorded on October 29, taking the total this season to 1,007, news agency PTI reported, citing official data.Of the total incidents, 672 were reported in Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Ferozepur. More than 90 per cent of the paddy-growing area in Tarn Taran and Amritsar has already been harvested.Punjab recorded 542 farm fires between September 15 and October 23.
The number rose to 813 by October 28 before the latest increase took the total to 1,007.According to data reported by PTI, Tarn Taran accounted for the highest number of incidents at 397, followed by Amritsar with 171 and Ferozepur with 104. Authorities have imposed fines of more than Rs 17 lakh as environmental compensation in 349 stubble-burning cases.
More than Rs 13 lakh has been recovered so far.A total of 246 FIRs have also been registered over stubble-burning incidents, including 165 in Tarn Taran and 24 in Amritsar. The cases were filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with disobedience of orders issued by a public servant.
The annual monitoring of farm fires begins on September 15, two weeks before paddy procurement starts on October 1.Last week, a high-level team led by Rajesh Verma, chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, reviewed the situation with deputy commissioners and other officials from Amritsar and Tarn Taran.The meeting focused on the management of paddy stubble and measures to further reduce and eliminate stubble burning. The team assessed the use of paddy stubble within and outside farms, as well as the facilities and infrastructure available for its management in the two districts, PTI reported, citing an official statement.The team also reviewed action taken by the two districts following the rise in farm fire incidents.
The commission stressed that paddy stubble should be used as fuel as much as possible in thermal power plants, brick kilns and industries where this is feasible.It also called for timely action at the field level and directed officers to regularly visit villages. Officials were asked to inform farmers about stubble-management facilities and ensure that machinery and other resources reached them promptly.As Tarn Taran continued to report one of the highest numbers of paddy stubble-burning incidents, its deputy commissioner was directed to prioritise the issue and step up field-level prevention and management measures.Punjab has recorded 1,007 farm fires this season, with Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Ferozepur accounting for most cases.
Authorities have imposed fines, registered FIRs and intensified efforts to manage paddy stubble and prevent further burning.- Ends