Punjab faces a very serious problem every year in October and November – the problem of burning of paddy straw. This is not just a farming process, but has become a serious threat to the environment and health. This year, there has been a decrease in the incidents of stubble burning in the state as compared to previous years, but the incidents that have come to light in the last ten days have increased the concern.
Punjab Despite a decline in stubble burning cases on Diwali and the day after, pollution levels increased in many cities of Punjab. On the day of Diwali, 45 cases of stubble burning were reported, which is 90 percent less than last year. In the year 2024, on 31st October, the day of Diwali, 484 cases of stubble burning were reported in a single day in the state. This year, on Tuesday, the next day of Diwali, 62 new cases of stubble burning were reported in Punjab.
So far this season, 415 cases of stubble burning have been reported in Punjab, which is about 85 percent less than last year. Maximum cases were registered in Tarn Taran district. So far 136 cases of stubble burning have been reported here. On the other hand, in Amritsar this figure is still at 120 this season.
According to the data of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), only 415 incidents of stubble burning have been recorded so far this year. This is about 72 percent less compared to the same period last year. If we look at the figures of the last three years, the situation becomes more clear. In 2023, 1,764 incidents were recorded in Punjab, while in 2024 the number was 1,510. And now in 2025 this number has reached 415.
This decline is the result of collective efforts of farmers and the state government. The Punjab government has launched awareness campaigns at various levels, encouraging farmers to use farm machinery and threatening heavy fines for those violating the rules. The effect of these efforts is visible, but recent figures show that the trend of stubble burning has still not completely ended.
Actually, the data of the last 10 days made this thing more clear. According to PPCB report, 353 incidents of stubble burning took place in Punjab from September 15 to October 20. Of these, the highest number of cases were reported in Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts, with 125 and 112 incidents respectively. 27 cases were registered in Firozpur, 23 in Patiala and 8 in Sangrur.
These incidents have increased three times in the last ten days. Till October 11, only 116 incidents were recorded, but after that there was a sudden increase. The reason for this is obvious – the hurry to vacate the fields after harvesting the paddy crop. Farmers know that there is less time for sowing Rabi crop i.e. wheat. Sowing of wheat has to be started immediately after the completion of paddy harvesting in October and November. Therefore, many farmers clear the land by burning the stubble, so that their next crop can be sown on time.
However, this habit of burning stubble not only spoils the air of Punjab but also of Delhi-NCR. Due to cold winds in Delhi, the level of smog and pollution increases, which increases the risk of breathing problems, asthma and other diseases. For this reason, the state government and the central government are constantly advising farmers to make them aware and adopt alternative measures for stubble management.
Where is it affecting?
- Districts most affected by stubble burning: Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Firozpur, Patiala, Sangrur
- Reasons for burning stubble: Early preparation of fields for Rabi crop, traditional habits, lack of awareness
- Government Initiative: Awareness campaign, promotion of agricultural machinery, action to impose fine
- Environmental Impact: Air pollution in Punjab and Delhi-NCR.
PPCB has imposed a fine of more than Rs 8 lakh as compensation in 162 cases so far this year, out of which Rs 5.65 lakh has been recovered. Apart from this, 149 FIRs have been registered, including 61 in Tarn Taran and 39 in Amritsar.
The state government has launched an awareness campaign to encourage farmers to use machinery such as rotavators, power cultivators and straw shaders to stop stubble burning. Apart from this, farmers are being informed that using machinery saves time and labor and it is also easier to prepare land for Rabi crops. Still, many farmers stick to the old methods.
The records of the last years show that both decline and increase have been seen in the incidents of stubble burning. The decline in incidents this year to 415 is quite a relief compared to previous years. But recent incidents of three-fold increase show that the problem is still not completely over. The challenge remains for the state government and the Pollution Control Board to find success in motivating farmers to follow the rules and adopting alternative measures of stubble management.
The record of the past years shows that the incidents of stubble burning in Punjab have been increasing and decreasing from time to time. There were a total of 10,909 incidents in 2024, which was 70 percent less than the 36,663 incidents in 2023. But recent figures for 2025 show that the problem is not completely over yet.
This year’s situation in Punjab shows that the effect of awareness and rules is visible. The decline to 415 incidents is encouraging, but the three-fold increase in 10 days is a reminder that the problem still exists at the grassroots level. It is challenging to strike a balance between environmental protection, agricultural production and the economic concerns of farmers.
—- End —-
(With agency inputs)
