Neeraj Bali

Neeraj Bali Chandigarh, Nov 3 (UNI) Stubble-burning incidents in Punjab have declined by nearly 29 per cent this paddy harvesting season compared with the corresponding period last year, while authorities have imposed penalties totalling Rs 29 lakh on farmers found setting fire to crop residue, a senior environmental official said. The state recorded 1,612 farm fires until November 2, down from 2,262 during the same period last year, a reduction of 650 incidents, or 28.7 per cent, Senior Environmental Officer Dr. Rajiv Gupta said. Of the Rs 29 lakh imposed as environmental compensation, approximately Rs 19 lakh has been recovered,…