Chandigarh: Punjab’s stubble burning incidents have surged past 4,000 this season, with 216 new cases reported on November 3 alone, taking the total count to 4,132. Despite government efforts to curb the practice, farmers facing time and resource constraints continue to burn crop residue, impacting air quality across the region, including in Delhi NCR.
Spike in Stubble Fires Despite Drop from Previous Years
According to the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, stubble burning incidents have significantly increased between September 15 and November 3, with 1,779 cases reported in just the past five days. The daily breakdown reveals a troubling trend:
- October 29 – 219 incidents
- October 30 – 110 incidents
- October 31 – 484 incidents
- November 1 – 587 incidents
- November 2 – 379 incidents
- November 3 – 216 incidents
Among the newly reported cases, Sangrur district topped the list with 59 incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 26, and Moga and Mansa each reporting 19. Tarn Taran, another district struggling with crop residue management, reported 18 incidents.
The Bigger Picture: A Decline in Annual Totals but Persistent Problem
While this year’s incidents have crossed 4,000, they represent a gradual decline compared to previous years. In 2023, Punjab recorded a total of 36,663 stubble burning cases, marking a 26% decrease from previous years. Here’s a snapshot of recent annual figures for stubble burning incidents in Punjab:
- 2022 – 49,922 incidents
- 2021 – 71,304 incidents
- 2020 – 76,590 incidents
- 2019 – 55,210 incidents
- 2018 – 50,590 incidents
Despite the decreasing trend, stubble burning remains a significant environmental issue, particularly as air pollution worsens in Delhi NCR each year during October and November. This annual spike in pollution levels has led to health concerns and visibility issues across North India.
Why Farmers Continue to Burn Stubble: Time, Cost, and the Push for Wheat Sowing
For many farmers, stubble burning is the fastest way to clear their fields after the paddy harvest, allowing them to quickly prepare the land for wheat sowing. Alternatives to burning, such as stubble decomposition techniques and mechanized removal, often require resources and time that many farmers do not have. Despite government subsidies on crop residue management machinery, adoption has been slow due to financial and logistical barriers.
Government Response and Way Forward
The Punjab government, in collaboration with the central government, has implemented several measures to address stubble burning, including subsidizing stubble-removal machines and promoting in-situ management techniques. However, these efforts have only partially curbed the practice, and more sustainable solutions are needed to achieve long-term results.
As Punjab navigates the complexities of stubble burning, the ongoing challenge emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable crop management practices that support farmers and protect the environment.
