2,347 stubble burning cases registered in Punjab, Delhi Minister Sirsa targets CM Mann

November 5, 2026

Patiala (Punjab): The paddy harvesting season continues in Punjab, and incidents of stubble burning remain a challenge for the administration. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) report as of November 4, 2026, a total of 2,347 cases of stubble burning have been registered in the state. The department has imposed environmental fines of ₹40.37 lakh in these cases, of which ₹23.05 lakh has been recovered so far.

According to the report, 1,942 farms were inspected for stubble burning incidents in the state. Of these, fires were confirmed at 868 locations. Environmental compensation was also imposed in 801 cases. Taking action, the administration has registered 647 FIRs, while red entries have been made in revenue records in 723 cases. 689 warning notices have also been issued by the relevant authorities.

Tarn Taran records the highest number of stubble burning cases

According to district-level data, Tarn Taran has recorded the highest number of stubble burning incidents at 558, followed by Ferozepur at 316, Amritsar at 207, Bathinda at 167, and Sangrur at 163.

So far, 110 incidents of stubble burning have been reported in Patiala district. The department inspected 67 locations, confirming fires at 24 locations. Environmental compensation has been imposed in 15 of these cases.

A total fine of ₹80,000 has been imposed in Patiala, of which ₹35,000 has been recovered. Additionally, 21 FIRs have been registered in connection with stubble burning, and red entries have been made in revenue records in 10 cases. 25 warning notices have also been issued in the district.

85.10 Percent Paddy Harvesting Complete in Punjab

According to the PPCB report, 85.10 percent of the total 32.87 lakh hectares of paddy area in Punjab has been harvested. Despite this, incidents of stubble burning are being reported from various districts of the state.

According to departmental data, the administration is taking steps such as inspecting fields, imposing fines, filing FIRs, and taking other actions. However, completely stopping stubble burning in fields remains a major challenge.

Delhi Environment Minister Sirsa Attacks CM Bhagwant Mann

Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday questioned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s claims regarding paddy harvesting. He alleged that the Chief Minister had provided false information regarding paddy harvesting and stubble burning. Sirsa said that incidents of stubble burning have had a serious impact on Delhi’s air quality.

Speaking to the media at the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) in Shastri Park, Sirsa targeted Bhagwant Mann. He claimed that according to the Punjab government’s own data, 77 percent of the stubble in the state has been burnt.

Sirsa said, “Yesterday, Bhagwant Mann held a press conference and falsely claimed that paddy harvesting hasn’t begun yet. However, according to data provided by his own government, 77 percent of the stubble has already been burnt.”

Delhi’s AQI rises from 60 to 377 in four days

Referring to the deterioration in Delhi’s air quality, Sirsa said that the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has deteriorated significantly in just four days.

He said that Delhi’s AQI was 60 on October 30, which increased to 117 on October 31. It then reached 377 by November 4.

Sirsa said, “Delhi’s AQI was 60 on October 30th, it rose to 117 on October 31st, and by November 4th, it had reached 377. What happened in just four days that the air became so polluted, even though the people of Delhi had worked hard all year to keep it clean? When Delhi’s air was clean, stubble burning had not yet begun in Punjab.”

He alleged that stubble burning in Punjab had contributed to the increase in Delhi’s pollution.