The Ludhiana district administration has been put on high alert following the detection of four instances of farm fires within a 24-hour period on October 29. The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre identified these incidents, prompting an immediate directive from Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain for a stringent approach to stubble burning.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Deputy Commissioner has formally requested an action taken report from the concerned officials by Friday noon. A detailed compliance report pertaining to all four reported farm fire locations has also been sought.
The specific villages where the farm fires were recorded include Dhollan and Roomi in Jagraon tehsil, Chomon village in Payal tehsil, and Chak Bhaika village in Raikot tehsil. These incidents have heightened the administration’s focus on mitigating the environmental and health hazards associated with agricultural residue burning.
Data from previous years reveals a concerning trend of similar numbers of farm fires being reported in Ludhiana district around the same date. In 2024, five farm fire incidents were recorded on October 29, while four incidents each were observed in 2025 and 2026, suggesting a persistent challenge for the authorities.
Across Punjab, Ferozepur district has consistently recorded a high number of farm fires over the past three years. It reported 45 incidents in 2024, followed by 32 in 2025, and 49 in 2026, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem in the agricultural belt of the state.
Despite stepped-up efforts by the authorities to curb stubble burning, including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against offenders for causing health hazards, the practice continues to be a significant concern. The administration acknowledges the detrimental impact of these fires on air quality and public health.
Further analysis of the Kharif season data indicates that Ludhiana district has reported a comparatively lower number of farm fire incidents this year, with only six instances recorded between September 15 and October 29. This figure stands in contrast to the 48 incidents reported during the corresponding period in 2024 and 17 in 2025.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain reiterated the administration’s unwavering stance against stubble burning, emphasizing that the practice will not be tolerated. He stated that actions will be taken strictly as per the law, including the imposition of penalties and the registration of FIRs, to deter offenders.
“We will take action as per law by registering FIRs, imposing penalties etc. We cannot allow anyone to play with the health of the masses and degrade the environment,” Jain stated, highlighting the administration’s commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment.
Looking at the broader picture across the state, Tarn Taran district has consistently reported the highest number of farm fires over the last three years, with a total of 1,093 incidents. Amritsar district follows with 840 incidents, and Ferozepur with 495. Ludhiana district has recorded a total of 71 farm fires during the same period, placing it among the districts with a significant but comparatively lower incidence rate than the top-ranking ones.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
