Punjab records 1,152 fresh farm fires on Diwali, its sharpest single-day rise this season
The season's tally reached 4,459, and Sangrur had the most new fires that day.
- Season total: 4,459 fires
- 884 FIRs, 1,017 red entries
- About 92% of paddy harvested by 8 Nov
The spike
Punjab recorded 1,152 farm fires on 8 November, taking the season's count to 4,459 from 3,307 a day earlier. Sangrur had the most new fires that day (194), followed by Ferozepur (157) and Bathinda (132). Tarn Taran has the highest cumulative count at 654.
Why it jumped
On Diwali last year there were 45 fires, but only about 32% of paddy had been harvested by then. This year about 92% was harvested by 8 November. Last year's count was 3,622 on 8 November and 5,114 by 30 November.
Action so far
Punjab has registered 884 FIRs and made 1,017 red entries in land records, and imposed over ₹62 lakh in environmental compensation in 1,228 cases, of which over ₹32 lakh has been recovered. The air quality panel CAQM has voiced serious concern and met officials from 12 districts.
