Punjab has recorded 4,657 incidents of stubble burning across the state as of November 9, 2026, according to the latest report from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). These incidents have occurred even as the state nears the end of its paddy harvesting season, with agricultural operations already completed on 93.70 percent of the state’s 32.87 lakh hectares of paddy-cultivated land. The persistence of these farm fires remains a significant challenge for the administration's efforts to manage air quality and enforce stubble management regulations.
In response to the surge in agricultural fires, local law enforcement and environmental authorities have initiated strict legal proceedings. According to the PPCB report, police have registered 1,442 FIRs against those violating the ban on burning crop residue. Alongside criminal cases, the administration has imposed environmental fines amounting to Rs 7.285 crore, of which approximately Rs 3.36 crore has been recovered thus far. These enforcement measures are part of a broader strategy to deter farmers from burning residue following the harvest period.
Administrative and monitoring teams remain active on the ground, conducting regular field inspections to ensure compliance. The PPCB reported that so far, 3,845 instances of potential field fires have been investigated. Upon inspection, physical evidence of burning was confirmed at 1,675 of these locations. These teams continue to work across various districts to monitor potential hotspots and take immediate action where violations are identified.
District-level data highlights significant variance in the prevalence of stubble burning. Tarn Taran leads the state with the highest number of reported incidents at 659, followed closely by Ferozepur, which recorded 621 cases. Other districts, including Sangrur and Bathinda, have also reported high figures, with 508 and 412 incidents respectively. Police in these regions have been tasked with the bulk of the enforcement, recording hundreds of FIRs specifically in Tarn Taran and Ferozepur.
The administrative response extends beyond criminal charges and monetary fines. In Patiala, for instance, where 299 incidents were documented, officials have implemented a layered approach to enforcement. Out of 195 inspected cases in the district, 122 showed confirmed evidence of burning, leading to 86 FIRs. Furthermore, the district administration has issued 185 warning notices and made 35 'red entries' in land records, which serve as official adverse markers for the offenders.
Despite the implementation of thousands of inspections, legal filings, and notices, the occurrence of stubble burning continues to pose a challenge to enforcement agencies. Authorities have stated that legal actions and monitoring efforts are ongoing throughout the state. The administration continues to emphasize that the management of agricultural waste is a high priority, and monitoring teams are expected to maintain their presence in rural areas until the harvesting season fully concludes.
As the state moves forward, the focus remains on the efficacy of these enforcement measures. While administrative bodies continue to penalize violations, the situation highlights the complexity of agricultural waste management in the region. The PPCB remains tasked with oversight, and state officials have signaled that inspections will continue in an effort to mitigate the environmental impact of these recurring field fires across Punjab.
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