Punjab Chokes: 165 Cases In Punjab, Fines And FIRs Fail To Act As Deterrent

This special report focuses on the escalating issue of stubble burning in Punjab as the Diwali festival approaches. With 165 farm fire incidents already recorded this season, concerns are rising over the deteriorating air quality in the state and its neighbours, including the national capital. According to correspondent Asim Basi, 'although the Supreme Court gave a very very tough direction this time that action must be taken against the erring farmers, arrests can be made of the erring farmers.' Despite these warnings and actions by the Punjab Pollution Control Board—including fines worth ₹3.70 lakh and the registration of 81 FIRs—the practice continues unabated. Amritsar district leads with 68 reported cases, and cities like Ludhiana and Patiala have already seen their Air Quality Index (AQI) enter the unhealthy 'yellow zone'.