Patiala, Nov. 21 -- Punjab has logged 5,046 farm fires so far this season - nearly a 50% drop from the 10,909 cases reported last year, according to Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data released on Thursday.

In the last 72 hours, only 43 farm fire incidents have been reported across the state.

The PPCB conventionally monitors stubble burning from September 15, coinciding with the beginning of early paddy harvesting, and continues until November 30.

Of the total 5,046 farm fires recorded this year, Sangrur district has once again reported the highest 695 cases. However, incidents in this hotspot district have drastically declined compared to last year's count of 1,725 cases. Tarn Taran has reported 693 cases, followed by Ferozepur...