According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), stubble burning incidents in Punjab have sharply increased this season, with 353 cases reported so far. Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts have recorded the highest numbers, with 125 and 112 incidents, respectively.
PPCB data shows that stubble burning cases have more than tripled in the past 10 days. Until 11 October, only 116 cases were reported across the state. Other districts reporting incidents include Ferozepur (27), Patiala (23), and Sangrur (8). Overall, between 15 September and 20 October, a total of 353 cases were recorded.
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is a major contributor to the deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR, especially during the post-harvest season. Farmers often resort to burning crop residue due to the short time window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, to quickly clear fields for the next crop.
Authorities continue to appeal to farmers to adopt eco-friendly crop residue management methods to reduce air pollution and protect public health.