India, Oct. 31 -- With paddy harvesting reaching around 78 percent across Punjab, the state on Thursday reported 202 fresh farm fire incidents, taking the total tally 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 last five days, Punjab has reported nearly 800 farm fire cases, indicating growing pressure on farmers to quickly prepare their fields for wheat sowing.

According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Sangrur remained the biggest contributor on Thursday with 48 new incidents. The district has now reported 212 cases, making it the second-highest in the state after Tar...