11 fresh farm fires, total count 176

A day after Punjab recorded the highest single-day spike in stubble burning cases this season, the number of farm fire incidents declined on Wednesday, with only 11 cases reported compared to 31 on Tuesday.

According to official data, the state has reported 176 farm fires till October 15, with Amritsar (73) and Tarn Taran (51) emerging as the major contributors.

With paddy harvesting gaining momentum in the southern Malwa region, officials anticipate a sharp rise in farm fire cases in the coming days.

To check the menace, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has deployed a flying squad of 22 scientists across Punjab to monitor and curb stubble burning. The decision followed a review meeting with the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Agriculture Department.

Officials said the period between October 15 and November 15 would be the “most crucial” as the bulk of paddy harvesting would take place during that time.