Chandigarh, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
With stubble-burning incidents in Punjab crossing 5,500, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav directed Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas, to visit the state and review the situation.
Verma visited Fatehgarh Sahib, Khanna and Patiala on Thursday to assess crop residue management and enforcement measures amid the recent rise in farm fires.
During meetings with officials, the CAQM chief reviewed intensified patrolling, satellite monitoring of fire hotspots, effective utilisation of crop residue management (CRM) machinery and measures to promote the use of paddy straw as industrial boiler fuel. District administrations and police were directed to strengthen coordination, field monitoring and enforcement, with zero tolerance towards stubble burning.
The cumulative number of farm fire incidents in Punjab reached 5,517 by November 11. Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Sangrur reported the highest numbers. The state recorded 345 fresh incidents on November 10 and 515 on November 11, raising concerns over air quality in the Delhi-NCR region.
Government data showed 4,657 incidents between September 15 and November 9. Ferozepur accounted for 728 cases, followed by Tarn Taran with 687, Sangrur with 628 and Bathinda with 499.
Authorities have registered 1,259 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience of orders issued by public servants. Fines exceeding Rs 85 lakh have been imposed in 1,695 cases, of which nearly Rs 37 lakh has been recovered. The government has also made 1,637 red entries in land records, which restrict farmers from obtaining loans against or selling the affected farmland.
Farmers often burn paddy residue after harvesting in October and November to clear fields for the next wheat crop. The monitoring period begins on September 15, ahead of paddy procurement.
Although the number of incidents has risen this year, the long-term trend shows a decline from 36,663 cases in 2023 to 10,909 in 2024 and 5,114 in 2025. Officials have also cautioned that some farm fires may go unrecorded, as farmers are reportedly shifting burning activity to between 4 pm and 6 pm to avoid the standard afternoon satellite observation window.
FOLLOW NOW
