Punjab has recorded 2,787 farm fire incidents between September 15 and November 5, 2026, as authorities intensify efforts to curb stubble burning amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality across northern India.
According to official data, Tarn Taran district reported the highest number of farm fires in the state, accounting for 586 incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 361 cases.
Other districts reporting significant numbers included Sangrur with 240 incidents, Amritsar with 221, Bathinda with 216 and Patiala with 156.
The figures highlight the continued prevalence of crop residue burning in Punjab, particularly during the post-harvest season, when farmers traditionally clear paddy fields to prepare for the next sowing cycle.
Despite government restrictions, enforcement measures and efforts to promote alternative crop residue management practices, stubble burning remains a persistent environmental challenge.
Authorities impose over ₹46 lakh in environmental penalties
Punjab authorities have stepped up enforcement against farm fires, imposing more than ₹46 lakh in environmental compensation across 914 cases.
Of the total penalties assessed, more than ₹24 lakh has been recovered so far, according to official figures.
Police have also registered 710 First Information Reports under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses disobedience of orders issued by public servants.
The enforcement measures form part of broader efforts to discourage illegal crop residue burning and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
However, the continued reporting of farm fires indicates that authorities face challenges in preventing violations across agricultural districts.
Air quality commission orders stricter monitoring
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has conducted a review meeting with senior government officials, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police from 12 affected districts to assess the situation and strengthen enforcement.
During the meeting, officials reviewed district-level monitoring, preventive measures and administrative accountability for controlling stubble burning.
The commission emphasized the need for closer supervision of vulnerable areas and greater responsibility among designated nodal officers tasked with preventing farm fires.
Authorities were also directed to strengthen coordination between district administrations, police departments and agricultural officials to identify violations and respond promptly.
The review comes as northern India faces seasonal air pollution challenges, with emissions from agricultural burning contributing to particulate pollution alongside vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and other sources.
Stubble burning remains a major environmental challenge
Farmers in Punjab frequently face a narrow window between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat, creating pressure to clear agricultural land quickly.
Burning crop residue remains a relatively inexpensive and rapid method of field preparation, despite its harmful environmental consequences.
The practice releases particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to poor air quality and increasing health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions.
The Punjab government has promoted alternatives, including crop residue management machinery and agricultural practices that allow farmers to incorporate or remove stubble without burning it.
However, equipment costs, operational constraints and limited access to machinery continue to complicate the adoption of these alternatives in some farming communities.
The latest figures underscore the challenge facing state authorities as they seek to balance agricultural requirements with environmental protection.
With 2,787 incidents recorded during the current monitoring period, officials are expected to maintain close surveillance of high-incidence districts and continue enforcement measures throughout the remaining crop-burning season.
The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on both regulatory action and the availability of practical, affordable alternatives for farmers seeking to manage crop residue without resorting to open burning.
