Punjab Sees Over 2,000 Farm Fires Amid Stubble Burning Surge

Punjab's agriculture department logged over 2,000 farm fires in the past 24 hours, marking the highest count in recent memory. The majority of incidents were linked to stubble burning, a practice that has intensified after the harvest season. Firefighters responded to more than 1,500 alarms, but the sheer volume strained resources and led to delayed containment in several districts. Officials cited inadequate enforcement of fire bans and lack of alternative residue disposal methods as key factors. The spike has drawn criticism from opposition parties and environmental groups, who argue that the practice poses serious health and ecological risks.