2,787 cases of stubble burning registered in Punjab, Tarn Taran leading; Patiala with 156 incidents

November 6, 2026

Incidents of paddy stubble burning continue to emerge in Punjab, posing a challenge for the administration. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) report as of November 5, a total of 2,787 incidents of stubble burning have been reported in the state. Field inspections were conducted at 2,194 locations, confirming stubble burning at 994 locations.

₹46.10 lakh fine imposed in 914 cases

According to the report, a total of ₹46.10 lakh has been imposed as environmental compensation (EC) fines in 914 cases of stubble burning. Of this, ₹24.85 lakh has been recovered so far. In addition, 710 FIRs have been registered in connection with these incidents under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Red entries have also been made in revenue records in 829 cases.

Tarn Taran has the highest number of stubble burning incidents

According to district-wise data, Tarn Taran leads with 586 incidents. Of the 553 inspections conducted here, stubble burning was confirmed at 294 locations. This is followed by Ferozepur with 361 incidents, Sangrur with 240, Amritsar with 221, and Bathinda with 216. Stubble burning was confirmed at 163 locations in Ferozepur and 49 in Sangrur.

156 incidents in Patiala, 27 FIRs registered

According to the report, 156 incidents of stubble burning were reported in Patiala district. Field inspections were conducted at 103 locations, where stubble burning was confirmed at 59 locations. A total of ₹2.15 lakh (approximately $2.15 million) in environmental fines have been imposed in 42 cases in the district, of which ₹70,000 has been recovered.

In addition, 27 FIRs have been registered in Patiala regarding stubble burning, and red entries have been made in revenue records in 16 cases. 25 warning notices have also been issued in the district.

87.60% of paddy harvesting completed in Punjab

According to the report, the total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab is 32.87096 lakh hectares. As of November 5, harvesting has been completed in 87.60% of this area. So far, 786 warning and show-cause notices have been issued across the state. Prosecution proceedings have also been initiated against the concerned officials in 18 cases.

These PPCB data indicate that the administration is taking action to curb stubble burning, including inspections, fines, FIRs, and red entries in revenue records. Despite this, incidents of stubble burning are continuously being reported in many districts of Punjab.