In a first-of-its-kind move this season, Punjab Police have filed 12 FIRs against farmers accused of burning crop residue, signaling a tougher stance on the long-standing issue of stubble burning. The action follows the Supreme Court’s recent observation that farmers cannot claim “absolute immunity” for setting fields on fire, as the practice continues to aggravate air pollution across North India every winter.
Scale of Incidents So Far
According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), monitoring for this year’s stubble burning season began on September 15. In less than two weeks, 48 farm-fire incidents have been recorded across the state. Of the 12 FIRs registered, 11 were from Amritsar district, which has emerged as the top contributor to such cases so far. The complaints have been filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Government’s Additional Measures
Beyond criminal action, the Punjab government has resorted to administrative penalties. 13 “red entries” have been marked in land records of violators—an action that bars farmers from securing loans or engaging in land-related transactions. Authorities have also imposed environmental fines worth ₹1.10 lakh, of which ₹30,000 has been recovered.
Officials stated that these penalties aim not just to punish but to deter future violations. Farmers found repeating the offense may face stricter fines and harsher restrictions.
A Pattern of Annual Concern
Stubble burning has been a persistent issue in Punjab and Haryana, contributing significantly to the hazardous air pollution levels in Delhi NCR every winter. Despite subsidies for straw management machines and awareness campaigns, many farmers still opt to burn crop residue due to the cost and time pressures of preparing fields for the next sowing cycle.
