Sharp Drop in Punjab Stubble Burning, Hotspots Still Major
Punjab has witnessed a significant reduction in stubble burning incidents during this year’s Kharif season, with cases dropping by nearly 72% compared to the same period last year. From September to mid-November, a total of 6,611 cases of stubble burning have been reported across 23 districts. However, despite this notable decrease, eight districts—Sangrur, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Moga, Barnala, Mansa, Tarn Taran, and Faridkot—continue to contribute disproportionately, accounting for 62% of the state’s farm fires. These “hotspot” districts reported 4,104 cases of stubble burning, underlining the regional concentration of the issue.
Compared to the last Kharif season, when these districts recorded 23,410 cases of stubble burning (or 64% of Punjab’s total 36,663 cases), this year’s figures represent significant progress in the state’s efforts to reduce agricultural fires. The decline is largely attributed to awareness campaigns and stricter measures enforced by the Punjab government and environmental agencies.
District-Wise Breakdown of Stubble Burning Incidents
As per the latest data, Sangrur recorded the highest number of cases this season with 1,272 farm fires, followed by Ferozepur with 791 cases, Tarn Taran with 652, and Mansa with 424 cases. The latest reports from the remaining hotspot districts are as follows: Bathinda with 357 cases, Moga with 270 cases, Faridkot with 227 cases, and Barnala with 111 cases. Collectively, these areas have continued to see high farm fire numbers, though significantly less than the previous year.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman Adarshpal Vig expressed optimism over the downward trend, attributing it to a combination of awareness programs and punitive actions. The decline in cases, particularly in hotspot districts, signifies the effectiveness of our outreach efforts and legal interventions. Farmers are now more responsive to both in-situ and ex-situ stubble management techniques,” said Vig.
Enforcement Measures: FIRs and Environmental Penalties
To curb stubble burning, the state government has adopted a robust legal and financial penalty framework. Enforcement agencies have filed numerous FIRs against non-compliant farmers and imposed significant environmental compensation (EC) fines across the hotspot districts. Below is a summary of the legal and financial actions taken in these districts:
- Sangrur: 336 First Information Reports were filed; environmental compensation totaling ₹6.42 lakh was imposed, out of which ₹2.87 lakh has been recovered.
- Ferozepur: 495 FIRs filed; ₹14.80 lakh imposed, with ₹9.50 lakh recovered.
- Bathinda: 121 FIRs have been filed; a fine of ₹4.07 lakh has been imposed, with ₹2 lakh already recovered.
- Moga: 120 FIRs; ₹6.70 lakh in EC imposed and fully recovered.
- Barnala: 45 FIRs; ₹1.37 lakh imposed, with ₹85,000 recovered.
- Mansa: 175 FIRs have been filed; an environmental compensation of ₹6.47 lakh has been imposed, with ₹2.47 lakh already recovered.
- Tarn Taran: 509 FIRs; ₹8.47 lakh imposed, with ₹7.87 lakh recovered.
- Faridkot: Fifty FIRs were registered; a penalty of ₹3.12 lakh was imposed, with ₹1.85 lakh being recovered.
The state has emphasized that environmental penalties serve both as a deterrent and a mechanism to hold repeat offenders accountable, especially in districts with persistent stubble burning problems.
High AQI Levels: Impact of Stubble Burning on Air Quality
Despite the reduction in stubble burning incidents, Punjab’s air quality remains severely affected, with thick layers of smog blanketing parts of the state. Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in some areas continue to register high pollution levels. Mandi Gobindgarh reported an AQI of 262, while Amritsar and Ludhiana recorded AQIs of 253 and 220, respectively, placing them in the “poor” category. Patiala and Jalandhar also experienced elevated AQI levels of 206 and 201, underscoring the lasting effects of farm fires on regional air quality.
The pollution issue extends beyond Punjab, affecting neighboring states and the national capital, Delhi. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is widely recognized as a significant contributor to the air pollution crisis in the northern region, particularly during the post-harvest months of October and November.
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Management: A Path Forward
Efforts to reduce stubble burning are increasingly focused on sustainable crop residue management practices. In-situ management, which involves incorporating crop residue back into the soil, and ex-situ management, where farmers are encouraged to collect and sell stubble for alternative uses, have seen greater adoption. Adarshpal Vig highlighted that these practices are gradually gaining traction, with farmers showing greater willingness to avoid setting their fields ablaze.
In-situ and ex-situ methods are educating farmers about the detrimental effects of burning crop residue, which harms not only the environment but also their health and the well-being of their families. Additionally, these methods allow them to derive income by selling stubble bales,” he added. By providing alternatives and creating financial incentives, Punjab aims to shift farmers away from traditional stubble burning practices.
Persistent Challenges in Managing Stubble Burning
While the progress is notable, challenges remain in achieving a complete elimination of stubble burning in Punjab. The short window between the Kharif and Rabi crop cycles continues to pressure farmers to clear fields quickly, often leading to fires as a time-saving measure. Additionally, high equipment costs and limited access to machinery for residue management, especially for smaller farmers, pose ongoing challenges.
The state has increased the availability of machinery like happy seeders and super straw management systems to assist farmers. However, effective and widespread adoption is essential to fully resolve the issue.
The Punjab government is keen on building on this year’s progress through increased subsidies on crop management equipment, targeted campaigns in hotspot districts, and further strengthening the enforcement of environmental laws. The PPCB and other agencies plan to continue educational initiatives aimed at demonstrating the health, environmental, and economic benefits of sustainable residue management practices.
By collaborating with agricultural organizations, environmental groups, and local communities, the government is hopeful that stubble burning incidents can be reduced further in the coming years. Punjab’s ultimate goal is to set an example for other states on successfully transitioning away from stubble burning, creating healthier air for the region.
Punjab’s 72% reduction in stubble burning incidents this Kharif season is a milestone, but the concentration of cases in hotspot districts highlights the ongoing challenge. Legal and financial penalties, coupled with educational outreach and residue management programs, have contributed to this positive trend. Although AQI levels remain a concern, the state’s commitment to enforcing anti-stubble burning measures and promoting sustainable alternatives marks a promising step toward cleaner air and healthier communities across northern India.
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