Punjab: Straw burning picks up pace, 123 in a day

Crop residue burning in Punjab has picked up pace, with over 100 cases reported in a single day. On October 1, 123 cases were reported, bringing the total count to 337. The state government aims to reduce crop burning by 50% compared to last year. Stubble burning usually peaks in October and continues until November. Most of the cases were reported in the border district of Amritsar. In 2022, Punjab recorded a 30% reduction in farm fires compared to the previous year.