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May surge: Ludhiana farm fire cases skyrocket from 21 to 546 in 2 weeks
Farm-fire incidents in Ludhiana district rose from 21 by the end of April 2026 to 546 by May 13, 2026. Enforcement actions were taken, including red entries and a FIR, with extensive field verifications and compensation in several cases, while Punjab-wide figures indicate a broader trend.
Why It Matters
The spike highlights persistent stubble-burning practices in Punjab, raising environmental and agricultural policy concerns and prompting enforcement and awareness measures.
Timeline
4 Events
Punjab-wide regional figures cited for context
May 14, 2026
Punjab districts recorded high numbers: Ferozepur 845, Tarn Taran 702, Bathinda 709, Amritsar 664, Gurdaspur 580, and Mansa 329 farm-fire incidents, in a broader trend alongside Ludhiana.
Enforcement actions and field verifications (Ludhiana district)
May 14, 2026
Administration reported 66 red entries against violators and one FIR under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A total of 415 fields have been inspected cumulatively, with crop burning confirmed at 233 locations after verification. Environmental compensation of ₹4.35 lakh has been imposed in 82 cases.
May 13: Farm-fire cases in Ludhiana reach 546
May 13, 2026
The district recorded 546 farm-fire incidents by May 13, 2026, marking an increase of more than 500 incidents in two weeks since the end of April.
End-April count: Ludhiana records 21 farm-fire incidents
April 2026
According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Ludhiana district had 21 farm-fire incidents by the end of April 2026.