As Punjab’s golden fields of paddy await harvest, a darker cloud looms on the horizon — an alarming surge in farm fires has ignited fresh concerns across the State. In just one day on Tuesday, 26 incidents of stubble burning were reported, spreading like wildfire across key districts. Tarn Taran stood out as the worst hit with 11 cases, while flames were also seen rising in Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Jalandhar, leaving a trail of smoke in their wake. The rising number of these blazes, especially when compared to the 123 cases in 2023 and just 43 in 2022, has set alarm bells ringing.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has acted swiftly, intensifying its crackdown on those fueling the flames. So far, Rs 1.5 lakh in environmental compensation has been imposed, with Rs one lakh already recovered from the offenders.
And in a bid to further curb the fiery menace, the Revenue Department has made around 30 red entries in the records of farmers responsible for the stubble burning. These “fire marks” not only restrict their access to loans and mortgages but also shut the door on land sales and gun licenses, sending a strong message that burning the fields won’t be tolerated.
Adding fuel to the situation are reports that five FIRs have been filed against unidentified individuals for setting paddy residue ablaze. As these fiery incidents continue to scorch the State, the PPCB is working tirelessly to douse the flames — both literally and figuratively — urging the farmers to adopt sustainable practices and stop turning the fertile fields into infernos.
Punjab Govt Mobilizes 8,000+ Officers to Tackle Stubble Burning
In a proactive measure to prevent further stubble burning, the Punjab Government has appointed over 8,045 nodal officers to oversee paddy harvesting operations and curb the illegal practice. These officers are part of a larger task force, comprising 79 Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), 108 Tehsildars, 108 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 1,140 cluster officers — all of whom have been mobilized across the State to keep a close watch on areas where stubble burning is traditionally rampant.
Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Tuesday highlighted the state’s comprehensive plan to manage crop residue. The officers are tasked with engaging in information, education, and communication (IEC) activities, such as organizing meetings with farmers and promoting the use of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery. These efforts are designed to reduce reliance on burning paddy straw by providing farmers with practical alternatives.
One key initiative to support this effort is the introduction of the ‘Unnat Kisan’ mobile application, which makes CRM machines easily accessible, particularly to small and marginal farmers. The app lists over 1.30 lakh machines that farmers can book locally, helping to streamline the process of managing crop residue in an eco-friendly manner.
Minister Khudian reported that farmers have already procured 8,635 CRM machines this season, and the state has issued 16,205 sanction letters for the purchase of subsidized CRM machinery. This widespread distribution of equipment is part of the government’s broader strategy to phase out stubble burning while ensuring that farmers can efficiently clear their fields without resorting to environmentally harmful practices. With these measures in place, Punjab is gearing up to tackle the challenges of stubble burning head-on, promoting sustainable agriculture for the future.
