Fine imposed of Rs 13.25 lakh in a month to stop stubble burning: PPCB to NGT

The Punjab Pollution Control Board on Thursday (October 24) told the National Green Tribunal that 1,254 FIRs had been registered and a fine of Rs 13.25 lakh had been imposed on those indulging in stubble burning in the State from September 15 to October 23.

In its report, the PPCB also said that the state government was continuously monitoring the situation, besides taking steps to improve its enforcement mechanism for prevention of stubble burning.

Earlier, the NGT had taken suo motu (on its own accord) notice of a newspaper report regarding incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, polluting the air in the National Capital Region (NCR).

He had requested regular updates from the PPCB regarding effective measures taken on the ground.

“The State of Punjab is taking all possible measures in accordance with law and implementing the directions issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal as well as the Air Quality Management Commission Act, 2021. the National Capital Region and adjacent areas. (CAQM) to prevent and monitor incidents of stubble burning,” said the report signed by PPCB member secretary Gurindar Singh Majithia.