Bathinda: A day after Punjab recorded its highest single-day farm fire count this season, the official data portal remained inaccessible on Tuesday. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute's CREAMS webpage, which tracks such incidents, was not functioning.
Record Single-Day Farm Fire Count
On Monday, Punjab reported 225 farm fire cases, the highest single-day count for the ongoing season. This marked a significant spike in stubble burning incidents across the state.
Government Action Initiated
Even as data was unavailable on Tuesday, the Punjab government began enforcement measures. By Monday evening, three First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered, all in Jalandhar district. Authorities also made 16 red entries in land records and imposed environmental compensation totaling Rs 1.10 lakh in 20 cases.
Seasonal Totals and District-Wise Breakdown
Till Monday evening, Punjab had reported 494 farm fire incidents this season. Bathinda (58) and Hoshiarpur (57) recorded the highest numbers. Cases were reported from 22 of the 23 districts, with only Roopnagar reporting none.
Case in Barnala
In Barnala district, a farmer from Pandher village was booked for burning stubble on one acre. Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh confirmed that an FIR was registered under the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management. A fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed under the Air Quality Management Rules, 2023.
Ongoing Actions
Officials stated that enforcement actions will continue throughout the harvest season to curb stubble burning and its impact on air quality.
