With pollution levels rising amid the festive season and the onset of winter, Punjab has recorded 1,612 stubble burning incidents as of November 2, prompting the authorities to impose fines of Rs 29.15 lakh and recover Rs 19 lakh, according to authorities.As per figures from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Tarn Taran emerged as the worst-affected district, reporting 489 incidents, the highest in the state. The district also recorded 258 FIRs against confirmed cases of farm fires.Across Punjab, authorities inspected 1,380 fields and confirmed stubble burning at 663 locations.Environmental compensation proceedings were initiated in 573 cases, with fines totalling Rs 29.15 lakh imposed.

Of this amount, Rs 19 lakh has been recovered. The state has also registered 423 FIRs in connection with stubble burning incidents and made red entries in revenue records in 472 cases.

A total of 572 warnings and show-cause notices have been issued to those involved.TARN TARAN LEADS IN STUBBLE BURNINGTarn Taran recorded 489 incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 193 and Amritsar with 192. Gurdaspur reported 100 incidents, Sangrur 76, Jalandhar 44, Fazilka 34 and Barnala 34.

In Tarn Taran, 466 fields were inspected, with stubble burning confirmed at 258 locations.Environmental compensation of Rs 13.10 lakh was imposed in these 258 cases, and the entire amount was recovered. The district also registered 258 FIRs.PATIALA REPORTS 54 INCIDENTSPatiala recorded 54 stubble burning incidents.

Of the 24 fields inspected, burning was confirmed at eight locations.Authorities initiated environmental compensation proceedings in seven cases, imposing fines of Rs 40,000 and recovering Rs 20,000.Seven FIRs were also registered, while red entries were made in revenue records in two cases.PROSECUTION PROCEEDINGS AGAINST OFFICIALSThe PPCB report also identified 78 farms in the non-AFL category where signs of stubble burning were detected.Prosecution proceedings have been initiated in 13 cases against officials in connection with stubble burning incidents. However, the report does not mention any charge sheets being issued or officials being suspended so far.The figures show that enforcement measures, including inspections, fines, FIRs and action against officials, are underway even as stubble burning incidents continue to be reported across several districts of Punjab.- Ends