Chandigarh: Administrative and enforcement measures are continuing in Punjab to curb incidents of paddy stubble burning, with the state recording 84 fire incidents so far this season, according to the latest monitoring and enforcement report of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
As per the CAQM report updated on October 5, field inspections have been carried out in 78 of the 84 reported fire incidents. Physical verification during these inspections confirmed crop residue burning at 30 locations across the state.
The report said environmental compensation (EC) has been imposed in 28 cases related to stubble burning, with the total amount reaching Rs 1.40 lakh. Of this, Rs 55,000 has been recovered so far.
The enforcement measures also include the entry of red remarks in farm records in 13 cases, while one FIR has been registered in connection with stubble burning. In addition, nodal and supervisory officers have issued 36 warning and show-cause notices to those found linked to the incidents.
District-wise data showed that Amritsar recorded the highest number of reported fire incidents in the state, with 49 cases so far. Authorities conducted field inspections in 45 of these cases, and crop residue burning was confirmed at 13 locations.
In Amritsar, environmental compensation was imposed in 11 cases, amounting to Rs 55,000 in total. Of this amount, Rs 35,000 has been recovered so far. The district also saw 32 warning notices being issued by the concerned nodal and supervisory officers as part of the enforcement action.
Tarn Taran recorded the second-highest number of incidents, with 18 cases reported so far. Field inspections were carried out in 16 cases, while physical verification confirmed stubble burning at nine locations.
Environmental compensation amounting to Rs 45,000 was imposed in nine cases in Tarn Taran. According to the report, Rs 10,000 of the imposed amount has been recovered so far. Red entries were also made in farm records in nine cases.
Ferozepur district reported five stubble-burning incidents during the period covered by the CAQM report. Field inspections were conducted in all five cases, and crop residue burning was confirmed at each of the inspected locations.
The authorities imposed environmental compensation of Rs 25,000 in the five confirmed cases in Ferozepur. Of this, Rs 5,000 has been recovered so far, while red entries were made in the farm records in four cases.
Patiala district reported two incidents of stubble burning. Field inspections were carried out in both cases, and crop residue burning was confirmed during the physical verification.
Environmental compensation totalling Rs 10,000 was imposed in the two Patiala cases. However, according to the CAQM report, no amount had been recovered from the imposed compensation as of October 5. One FIR has also been registered in the district in connection with stubble burning.
The latest figures come amid continued efforts by Punjab authorities and enforcement agencies to prevent crop residue burning, which is closely monitored during the paddy harvesting season due to its impact on air quality in the region.
(IANS)
