As Delhi grapples with declining air quality, Punjab has reported a significant rise in stubble burning incidents. Since September 15, a total of 308 farm fires have been recorded across the state, with Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts leading the concerning trend. Data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) reveals that Tarn Taran has registered 113 cases, while Amritsar follows closely with 104. This practice continues despite state government appeals to farmers to cease burning crop residue.
The urgency to clear fields for the upcoming Rabi crop, particularly wheat, often compels farmers to resort to burning paddy stubble. The narrow window between harvesting the current crop and sowing the next leaves many with little alternative. These agricultural fires in Punjab and neighboring Haryana are frequently cited as a major contributor to the severe air pollution experienced in the Delhi-NCR region.
Between September 15 and October 19, Punjab recorded 308 fire incidents, a notable increase from the 116 cases reported by October 11. Other districts have also reported incidents, including Ferozepur with 16, Patiala with 15, and Gurdaspur with seven. In response, environmental compensation fines totaling over Rs 6.5 lakh have been imposed in 132 cases, with more than Rs 4.70 lakh already recovered. Furthermore, 147 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged, with Tarn Taran (61 FIRs) and Amritsar (37 FIRs) seeing the highest numbers. These cases fall under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience of public servant orders.
While the Punjab government has initiated campaigns to educate farmers on the adverse effects of stubble burning and promote alternative crop residue management techniques, the practice persists. Despite this, the state has seen a substantial reduction in farm fires compared to previous years, with 10,909 incidents in 2024, a 70% decrease from 2023’s 36,663 fires.