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Stubble burning in Punjab continues unabated, contributing to local pollution despite strict measures. The incidents have surged since the beginning of November, taking the total number of stubble-burning cases in the state this season beyond 8,000.
According to the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, the highest number of incidents 50 was recorded in Sangrur, followed by Ferozepur 30, Barnala 17, and Patiala 12. Even with the penalties for stubble burning doubled, these incidents show no significant decline.
This year there has been a 75% reduction in the incidents of stubble burning as compared to last year. In November 2022 and 2023, 1,358 and 1,271 cases were recorded, respectively. However, this year’s figures are comparatively lower. Nearly 8,000 incidents were recorded in Punjab between September and November 16, 2024, and 46,822 cases were reported in 2022 and 31,932 in 2023. Notably, 50% of this year’s stubble-burning incidents were recorded in November alone.
Yearly Records of Stubble Burning Incidents: The following data highlights the scale of the issue in Punjab over the years.
Districts like Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda, and Amritsar have consistently reported high numbers of cases. Following Supreme Court directives, the central government doubled penalties for stubble burning, implementing the new rules in Punjab, Haryana, and other affected states. Despite this, controlling the issue remains challenging. The persistent practice of stubble burning contributes significantly to local and regional pollution levels. Experts emphasize the need for stronger policies and sustainable alternatives for farmers to effectively address this issue.
Read More... Stubble management to boost crop yield, why burning crop residue harms both farmers and the environment
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