Punjab Records Zero Stubble Burning Cases for Third Straight Day, Authorities Tighten Action

Punjab, Oct 2025 : In a significant relief for the state and its residents, Punjab reported no incidents of stubble burning for the third consecutive day until Thursday, easing concerns of a surge during the Dussehra festival period. Historically, stubble burning peaks during Dussehra and Diwali, raising fears of deteriorating air quality.

As of October 2, the total number of stubble burning cases in the state stood at 95, marking a sharp decline compared to 171 cases during the same period in 2024 and 456 cases in 2023. On October 2 last year, 16 incidents were recorded, while in 2023 the figure was as high as 119.

Authorities attribute the decline to strict enforcement measures. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed environmental compensation worth ₹2.45 lakh across 95 cases, of which ₹1.90 lakh has already been recovered. Meanwhile, police have filed 53 FIRs under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for disobeying legal orders, including 23 in Amritsar.

The revenue department has also taken tough steps, adding 35 “red entries” to violators’ land records, 24 of which were in Amritsar. A red entry restricts farmers from accessing loans, mortgaging or selling land, and even applying for a gun license.

The impact of these measures is reflected in the state’s Air Quality Index (AQI), with all major cities recording levels below 100 — classified as “satisfactory.”

Stubble burning monitoring officially began on September 15. While there was a brief surge with 18, 12, and 11 incidents on September 16, 17, and 18 respectively, the numbers have since declined. More recently, eight incidents were reported on September 28 and five on September 29.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also deployed a 22-member team of scientists across Punjab to strengthen monitoring and prevention efforts. Officials, however, cautioned that the critical period between October 15 and November 15 — when paddy harvesting peaks — could see a rise in stubble burning cases.

Despite the encouraging trend so far, the state government remains vigilant. With tighter enforcement, active monitoring, and penalties, authorities are aiming to further reduce stubble burning incidents, which have long contributed to northern India’s post-harvest air pollution crisis.