Patiala, Oct. 31 -- Punjab on Thursday reported 202 fresh farm fire incidents, taking the total count to 1,418 so far this season. This marks the second consecutive day that the state has recorded more than 200 cases, signalling a sharp rise in stubble-burning incidents over the past week.

In the last five days, Punjab has logged nearly 800 cases, indicating growing pressure on farmers to quickly prepare their fields for sowing wheat.

As per data from the state agriculture department, nearly 75% of the harvesting has been completed, and the ideal window for sowing the rabi staple, November 15, is closing in.

According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Sangrur on Thursday once again logged the highest 48 new incidents. The d...