Patiala, Oct. 25 -- Punjab on Friday reported 49 new cases of stubble burning, taking the total number of farm fire incidents in the state to 561 since September 15.

The latest figures from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) indicate a steady increase in farm fires, particularly across the Malwa region, as paddy harvesting picks up pace. Tarn Taran continues to lead with 175 cases, followed by Amritsar with 135. The problem has also begun spreading across Malwa districts - Ferozepur has reported 66 cases, Patiala 34, and Sangrur 23.

While the current numbers remain far lower than the 1,678 incidents reported during the same period last year, officials have warned that the situation could deteriorate in the coming weeks as harvest...