Cases of stubble burning have rapidly increased in Punjab. In one week, 580 new cases have emerged, and FIRs have been registered against 302 farmers so far. The government has initiated strict action, imposing fines on farmers.
Chandigarh: A rapid surge in stubble burning incidents is being observed in Punjab. Over the past week, the number of such cases in the state has more than doubled, reaching 933. The government has registered FIRs against 302 farmers so far, while several others have faced fines and administrative action. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, levelling political allegations against the BJP regarding this issue, stated that “farmers are being deliberately defamed.”
Stubble Burning Cases Double in a Week
According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, 580 new cases of stubble burning were reported between October 21 and October 27. Prior to this, a total of 353 cases were registered from September 15 to October 20. This indicates an increase of more than 200 percent in stubble burning incidents in just seven days.
On Monday, 147 cases were reported in the state, marking the highest daily figure for the season. However, this number decreased to 43 on Tuesday. According to experts, farmers have begun burning crop residue to dispose of stubble due to falling temperatures and advancing harvesting stages.
Strict Action Against Farmers
The state government has registered FIRs against 302 farmers to date. Additionally, “red entries” have been made on the land records of 337 farmers, which will prevent them from easily buying, selling land, or obtaining bank loans.
Alongside this, the administration has also imposed fines amounting to approximately 19.80 lakh rupees in 386 cases. The Agriculture Department has warned that if stubble burning incidents continue, guilty farmers could be deprived of future government schemes and subsidies.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Retort to BJP
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the Centre and the BJP are blaming Punjab for Delhi's poor air quality, even though Delhi's wind direction is from west to east rather than north to south, meaning stubble smoke cannot reach the capital.
Mann said, “The BJP is afflicted with an anti-farmer mindset. This issue is not about the environment, but a political attempt to defame farmers.” He further explained that the Punjab government is encouraging farmers towards alternative solutions for stubble management through modern equipment and subsidy schemes.
Government Issues Strict Directives to Administration
The state's Environment Department has ordered district administrations to take immediate action on every stubble burning incident. Fields are also being monitored through satellite surveillance and drone surveys.
Meanwhile, experts have suggested that if farmers are financially incentivized and machinery is made available on time, the tendency of stubble burning can be effectively curbed.
