Punjab has witnessed a significant reduction in stubble-burning cases this year, signaling possible progress in the long-running fight against the annual environmental crisis. While officials and experts have welcomed the sharp decline, they caution that the true measure of success will come in the weeks following Diwali, when harvesting peaks and the temptation to burn leftover crop residue remains highest.
According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), only 188 farm fire incidents were recorded between September 15 and October 16 this year. This is a steep fall from 1,212 cases during the same period in 2024 and 1,388 in 2023, amounting to a reduction of nearly 80% over two years. The numbers suggest that state-level interventions, combined with growing awareness among farmers, may finally be yielding tangible outcomes. Yet, officials remain cautious, noting that the post-Diwali period historically witnesses a sharp rise in such cases as farmers rush to clear their fields for the next sowing cycle.
Among all districts, Amritsar has reported the highest number of stubble burning incidents so far, recording 76 cases. Authorities have attributed this to the district’s large cultivation area and the tight turnaround time between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing. Despite this, the figures still represent an improvement over previous years, reinforcing optimism that the state’s multi-pronged strategy might be taking hold.
The Punjab government has combined awareness drives with strict enforcement to discourage the practice. Officials reported that 115 FIRs have been filed against violators, 59 red entries have been made in land records as warnings, and fines amounting to ₹4.6 lakh have been imposed on farmers found burning crop residue. The government has also intensified outreach efforts through village-level campaigns, promoting in-situ stubble management and encouraging the use of agricultural machinery such as Super Seeders and Happy Seeders.
Experts see the downward trend as a positive sign. Former Punjab Pollution Control Board chairman Adarshpal Vig credited the decline to years of sustained awareness campaigns and policy support. He noted that the government’s consistent focus on incentivising alternative residue management practices and honouring farmers who refrain from burning fields has contributed to the visible improvement. According to Vig, the combined effect of community engagement, machinery distribution, and public recognition has encouraged behavioural change among cultivators.
Former agriculture minister and MLA Kuldeep Dhaliwal echoed similar sentiments. He reiterated the government’s appeal for farmers to avoid burning crop residue and instead adopt sustainable solutions. Dhaliwal said that while some cases continue to surface, the administration remains committed to educating farmers and addressing logistical constraints that often push them toward burning as the easiest option. He emphasised that patience and persistence will be key to achieving a long-term shift in practices.
Despite the encouraging data, environmental experts warn that premature celebration could be misleading. They note that most stubble burning traditionally occurs after Diwali, when harvesting is at its peak. The state’s success will, therefore, depend on whether the downward trend continues through November. Air quality in North India typically deteriorates sharply after Diwali, driven by a mix of crop residue burning, firecrackers, and weather conditions that trap pollutants.
As Punjab enters the crucial phase of the harvest season, officials are stepping up ground monitoring and deploying teams to high-risk zones. The state government has also urged the Centre to provide additional machinery subsidies and financial support to farmers as an incentive for adopting eco-friendly residue management methods.
For now, Punjab’s sharp decline in early stubble burning cases offers cautious optimism. If the trend continues beyond Diwali, it could mark a turning point in the state’s decades-long battle against seasonal air pollution and pave the way for more sustainable agricultural practices across the region.
