PRAYAGRAJ, Nov. 21 -- Despite a strict ban aimed at curbing air pollution and improving soil health, stubble burning continues unabated among farmers in the Prayagraj division.

Between September 15 and November 19, officials detected 281 cases of crop-residue and farm-waste burning, imposing fines totaling Rs.4.62 lakh.

Prayagraj's acting joint director of agriculture, SK Rai, said the state government has directed departments to monitor stubble-burning incidents using satellite imagery and promote alternative crop-residue management methods among farmers.

According to Rai, the administration has implemented "effective measures" across the division following these directives. Satellite data revealed wide variation across districts: Pra...