Punjab records 52 stubble-burning fires; one FIR filed

Chandigarh, Sep 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) A total of 52 incidents of fires linked to paddy stubble burning have been reported across Punjab as of Tuesday, with physical verification confirming signs of crop burning in 16 cases, officials said on Wednesday.

According to government data available on the matter, field inspections were carried out in 42 of the reported cases, while signs indicating that crop residue had been burnt were physically confirmed at 16 locations.

District-wise figures showed that Amritsar recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 30 cases reported so far. Of these, 20 fields were inspected by the authorities, and signs of crop burning were confirmed at four locations. Environmental compensation (EC) amounting to Rs 5,000 was imposed in one case in Amritsar, and the entire amount was subsequently recovered, officials said.

Tarn Taran recorded eight cases of fire, followed by Ferozepur with five, Gurdaspur with three and Moga with two incidents. Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar and Patiala each reported one fire incident, according to the government data.

The data further showed that environmental compensation was imposed in 11 cases across the state, with the total amount reaching Rs 55,000. Of this, Rs 25,000 has so far been recovered, officials said.

In Tarn Taran, all eight fields linked to the eight reported incidents were inspected. The inspections confirmed signs of crop burning at five locations. Environmental compensation of Rs 20,000 was imposed in four cases, while Rs 10,000 of the imposed amount has been recovered. In addition, five red entries were recorded in the relevant field records.

In Ferozepur, all five fields were inspected following reports of five fire incidents. Signs of crop burning were confirmed at all five locations. The authorities imposed environmental compensation of Rs 20,000 in four cases, of which Rs 5,000 has been recovered so far. Four red entries were also recorded in the field records, officials said.

Patiala reported one fire incident, where field inspection confirmed signs of crop burning. Environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 was imposed in the case, which has also been linked to the registration of an FIR, according to the government data.

The overall data showed that one FIR had been registered in connection with the reported incidents. Besides this, nine red entries were made in the field records, while four warning notices or show-cause notices were issued to those concerned.

At the same time, no chargesheets or suspension actions have been recorded against nodal or supervisory officers in connection with the incidents. The number of charge sheets or suspension actions against such officers remains zero, officials said.

Source: IANS