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Five districts in Punjab, namely Sangrur, Ferozepur, Moga, Bathinda, and Barnala, have collectively reported a significant 47% of the total stubble burning cases in the ongoing harvest season. The total count surpassed 35,000 cases on Tuesday, with these districts contributing 16,649 cases to date.

Sangrur, the home district of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, stands out with the highest reported cases at 5,565, followed by Ferozepur with 3,322, Moga with 2,596, Bathinda with 2,900, and Barnala with 2,266 cases. Despite an overall 21% reduction in stubble burning cases compared to last year's figures, Sangrur has seen an increase from the previous year.

Enforcement efforts and farmer response

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman, Adarshpal Vig, noted a considerable reduction in stubble burning cases in most districts due to positive responses to in-situ and ex-situ management methods. Vig emphasized the gradual nature of this turnaround.

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Several districts, including Sangrur, Ferozepur, Moga, Bathinda, and Barnala, witnessed legal actions against farmers, with FIRs filed and fines imposed. However, despite these measures, there's skepticism about the cases reaching a logical conclusion, as farmer unions strongly oppose FIR registrations.

Call for alternatives and protests

Activists and experts, including Manjit Singh Rai and Kesar Singh Bhangoo, highlighted the need for concrete alternatives, minimum support prices, and assured marketing for alternative crops to address the root causes of stubble burning. Meanwhile, farmer unions are gearing up for protests in response to the state government's focus on FIRs rather than providing logistical and financial support for scientific stubble management.

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As of Tuesday, stubble burning cases in Punjab reached 35,606, with 513 cases reported on the day. Factors contributing to the higher count this year include delayed paddy harvesting and the re-sowing of paddy in flood-affected areas, covering nearly 31.93 lakh hectares. The agriculture department attributes the rise to these challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive alternatives rather than punitive measures.