Punjab has recorded 2,196 incidents of stubble burning so far this season, with First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in 494 cases, officials said on Wednesday, as air pollution in northern India continues to worsen with the approach of winter.

According to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), covering the period up to Tuesday, November 3, authorities have also imposed environmental compensation (EC) in 636 cases. The department has levied fines totalling Rs 32.05 lakh, of which Rs 20.60 lakh has been recovered, officials said.