Punjab sees sharp rise in stubble burning cases AQI reaches alarming 439 in Jalandhar
Tarn Taran worst affected with 224 incidents of stubble burning, followed by Amritsar with 154 such cases
PTC Web Desk: Punjab witnessed a fresh surge in stubble burning incidents on Sunday, with 122 new cases taking the total count to 743 across the state this season. The spike has raised concerns among environmental authorities as the air quality in several districts continues to worsen.
Tarn Taran remained the worst-affected district, reporting 224 incidents of stubble burning, followed by Amritsar, which has so far recorded 154 such cases. In the past six days alone, 328 new farm fire cases have been reported, signalling that the problem is intensifying as paddy harvesting gains pace.
The rise in farm fires has taken a serious toll on Punjab’s air quality. On Sunday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Jalandhar reached an alarming 439, placing it in the “severe” category. Bathinda and Ludhiana recorded AQI levels of 321 and 260, respectively, while Amritsar (257), Patiala (195), and Mandi Gobindgarh (153) also reported poor to very poor air quality.
Authorities have ramped up enforcement measures against violators. According to official sources, 266 FIRs have been registered so far, and 296 red entries have been made in revenue records of the farmers concerned. Additionally, fines amounting to Rs 16.8 lakh have been imposed statewide as part of the crackdown.
With paddy harvesting at its peak, officials fear that the number of stubble burning cases may rise further in the coming days unless stricter measures and sustainable alternatives are adopted.