Bathinda: Eight stubble burning cases were reported in Punjab, bringing the total to 40 in the last 12 days. Amritsar reported the maximum 21 crop residue burning events, followed by six in Tarn Taran, five in Ferozepur, two each in Moga and Gurdaspur, and one each in Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar and Patiala.As the number of farm fires swells, penal action has also started. An FIR was registered under Section 223 of the BNS (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) in Patiala, while environmental compensation of Rs 40,000 has been imposed in eight cases. Fines amounting to Rs 10,000 have been realised.Red entries have also been made in the land records in five cases. Warning/show-cause notices have been issued to four nodal/supervisory officers.Every year, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) starts recording stubble burning cases from Sept 15. The state recorded 5,114 crop residue burning cases in 2025, down from 10,909 cases recorded in 2024.The central govt has introduced new draft rules against stubble burning targeting the Delhi-NCR region and adjoining states to curb winter air pollution.According to the draft rules, there is a provision that farmlands where stubble burning is detected will receive an adverse red entry in land revenue records. These adverse entries will stand for 15 months.The red entry can restrict farmers from securing agricultural loans or selling the designated property. The 15-month period doubles to 30 months if another fire occurs on the same land or if the owner fails to clear environmental compensation dues.The environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 is levied for stubble burning in less than 2 acres of farmland, Rs 10,000 for 2 to 5 acres and Rs 30,000 for over 5 acres of farmland.
