Punjab reports over 600 stubble burning incidents in past month
Between September 15 and October 25, 2025, Punjab reported 621 stubble burning incidents—over half of them in the last week alone.
Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Patiala, and Sangrur saw the most cases.
Burning crop residue like this is against Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Authorities have stepped up action against violators
Unseasonal rains delayed paddy harvesting this year, leaving farmers with less time to prep fields for wheat.
Even though cases are down nearly 70% from last year's 1,749 incidents, many farmers are still burning stubble to save time.
Authorities have stepped up: police filed over 240 FIRs and the Pollution Control Board has fined violators and blocked some from getting land loans or selling property.
In Sangrur district especially, officials are using satellite monitoring and community outreach to crack down on burning.