Punjab reports 45 farm fires on Diwali; Tarn Taran leads with highest count

Punjab reported 45 incidents of stubble burning on Monday, the day of Diwali, marking a slight decrease following a record 67 farm fires reported the previous day—the highest so far this season.

The total number of farm fires this season has now reached 353, reflecting a 76 per cent drop compared to last year.

During the same period, 1,445 and 1,618 incidents of stubble burning were reported in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Among districts, poll-bound Tarn Taran topped the list with 12 stubble burning incidents, followed by Patiala and Amritsar with eight incidents each.

Meanwhile, the bursting of crackers worsened the air quality levels across the state.

By 7 pm on Monday, PM10 levels surged, reaching 133 points in Bathinda, 202 in Jalandhar, 196 in Ludhiana, 139 in Mandi Gobindgarh, and 104 in Patiala.