India
Punjab Records 1,612 Farm Fires as Stubble Burning Spikes Amid Harvesting Season
Punjab has recorded 1,612 stubble‑burning incidents as of November 2, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The figure represents a sharp rise, with over 500 cases reported in the past 72 hours. Tarn Taran led the state with 489 incidents, followed by Ferozepur (193) and Amritsar (192). The farm fire count was 1,047 on October 30.
Officials expressed concern that the number of incidents could increase further as the ideal wheat‑sowing window approaches on November 15. Farmers may burn stubble to clear fields and prepare for the next crop. While the cumulative total remains lower than the 2,262 incidents recorded during the same period last year, the situation could worsen as harvesting reaches its peak. Last year, 85% of the paddy crop had been harvested by this time, compared with 77% this year.
The spike in fires also coincides with a shift in geographic spread. Initially, the Majha region—particularly Amritsar and Tarn Taran—accounted for most incidents. Now several districts in the Malwa region are reporting increased activity as harvesting gathers pace in central and southern Punjab. Sangrur has reported 76 cases, followed by Bathinda (68), Patiala (54), Faridkot (49), Fazilka (34), Barnala (34), Moga (23) and Muktsar (20).
The CAQM report noted that crop burning was physically verified in 663 of the 1,380 fields inspected. Environmental compensation of ₹29.15 lakh was imposed in 573 cases, of which ₹19 lakh had been recovered as of November 2.
Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) officials have asked district administrations to remain alert as harvesting operations pick up across Malwa. They have been directed to coordinate with police and pollution control teams to enforce anti‑burning measures. A senior PPCB official, who requested anonymity, said, "The trend clearly shows that stubble burning is now shifting from the Majha to the Malwa region. With large‑scale harvesting currently underway, we expect the number of incidents to rise in the coming days unless immediate preventive steps are taken."
The PPCB monitors farm fires from September 15 to November 30. Punjab recorded 5,114 farm fire incidents during the 2025 paddy harvesting season.
Frequently asked questions
How many stubble‑burning incidents were recorded in Punjab as of November 2?
1,612 incidents were recorded.
Which district had the highest number of stubble‑burning incidents?
Tarn Taran had the highest number with 489 incidents.
What environmental compensation was imposed for stubble burning?
₹29.15 lakh was imposed in 573 cases, of which ₹19 lakh had been recovered as of November 2.