Punjab battles rising farm fires amid procurement season

As Punjab’s procurement season commences, the state is grappling with a surge in farm fires, with 26 incidents reported on Tuesday alone. Tarn Taran accounted for 11 cases, followed by five in Amritsar, four in Ferozepur, two in Jalandhar, and one each in Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, and Sangrur. This uptick in farm fires marks a concerning trend, especially when compared to the corresponding periods in 2023 (123 incidents) and 2022 (43 incidents).

In response to the rising cases, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has expedited the penal process. Environmental compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh has been imposed, with Rs 1 lakh already recovered. Furthermore, the Revenue Department has made approximately 30 red entries in the revenue records of farmers involved in stubble burning. This designation restricts farmers from accessing loans, mortgages, and land sales, and also leads to the denial of gun licences.

To address the issue, five FIRs have been registered against unknown individuals responsible for setting paddy residue ablaze. PPCB’s swift action aims to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of farm fires and promote sustainable agricultural practices.