Punjab has recorded 84 paddy stubble-burning incidents so far this season, with Amritsar accounting for the highest share at 49 cases, according to the latest enforcement report of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) updated on 5 October 2026. The figures come as authorities intensify crackdowns during the critical paddy harvesting window, when crop residue fires peak and air quality in northern India deteriorates sharply.

Scale of Enforcement Action

Of the 84 reported fire incidents, field inspections have been carried out in 78 cases. Physical verification during these inspections confirmed crop residue burning at 30 locations across the state. Environmental compensation (EC) has been imposed in 28 cases, with the cumulative penalty amount reaching ₹1.40 lakh. Of this, only ₹55,000 has been recovered so far — a recovery rate that critics argue reflects weak follow-through on financial deterrence.

Enforcement measures have also included red remarks entered in farm records in 13 cases, one FIR registered, and 36 warning and show-cause notices issued by nodal and supervisory officers.

Amritsar Leads District-Wise Tally

Amritsar district recorded the highest number of fire incidents in the state with 49 cases. Field inspections were conducted in 45 of these, with burning confirmed at 13 locations. Environmental compensation of ₹55,000 was imposed in 11 cases, of which ₹35,000 has been recovered. Authorities have also issued 32 warning notices in the district.

Other Districts: Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Patiala

Tarn Taran recorded the second-highest tally with 18 cases. Inspections were conducted in 16, confirming burning at 9 locations. Environmental compensation of ₹45,000 was imposed across 9 confirmed cases, with ₹10,000 recovered so far. Red entries were made in farm records in 9 cases.

Ferozepur reported 5 incidents, all inspected and all confirmed. The district saw environmental compensation of ₹25,000 imposed, with ₹5,000 recovered and red entries made in 4 farm records.

Patiala logged 2 incidents, both confirmed on physical inspection. A combined penalty of ₹10,000 was imposed, though according to the CAQM report, no amount had been recovered as of 5 October. One FIR has also been registered in Patiala in connection with stubble burning.

Why This Matters: Air Quality and the Seasonal Pattern

Paddy stubble burning in Punjab and neighbouring Haryana is among the leading contributors to seasonal smog that blankets the Delhi-NCR region between October and November each year. The CAQM, a statutory body established under a Supreme Court directive, monitors and enforces restrictions on farm fires in the National Capital Region airshed. Notably, 84 fires at this point in the season represents early-stage activity; the bulk of burning typically occurs in late October and early November once the paddy harvest accelerates.

This is the third consecutive season in which the CAQM has maintained a district-wise enforcement dashboard, a mechanism introduced after court directions demanding real-time accountability from state administrations. Whether the fines — averaging roughly ₹5,000 per confirmed case — serve as adequate deterrents remains a subject of debate among environment researchers.

What Happens Next

Enforcement is expected to intensify through October as harvesting picks up pace. The CAQM report signals that recovery of imposed penalties remains a priority, with a significant portion of financial compensation yet to be collected. Authorities have been directed to expedite recovery proceedings while continuing field inspections across all stubble-burning-prone districts.