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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on Monday that there has been a substantial decrease in stubble burning incidents in various regions of Northern India. The government credited this reduction to frequent reviews and daily monitoring efforts.
Between September 15 and October 29 in 2022, a total of 13,964 stubble burning incidents were reported in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, National Capital Region-UP, and National Capital Region-Rajasthan. In contrast, during the same period this year, only 6,391 incidents were recorded.
Punjab, known for its high stubble burning incidents, has seen a remarkable decline. During the 45-day period mentioned, the state reported 5,254 incidents, a substantial reduction from 12,112 in 2022 and 9,001 in 2021. This marks a 56.6% decrease compared to the previous year and a 41.6% reduction compared to 2021.
The Ministry highlighted that in Punjab, the highest single-day fire count this year was recorded on October 29, with 1,068 incidents. This is significantly lower than the 2,067 incidents reported on October 28, 2022, and the 1,353 incidents reported on October 29, 2021.
Among the districts in Punjab with the highest stubble burning incidents this year are Amritsar (1,060), Tarn Taran (646), Patiala (614), Sangrur (564), and Ferozepur (517).
In Haryana, 1,094 stubble burning incidents were reported during the same 45-day period in 2023, a decrease from 1,813 in the previous year and 2,413 in 2021. This represents a 39.7% reduction compared to the previous year and a 54.7% decrease compared to 2021.
The top five districts in Haryana with the highest number of farm fires this year are Fatehabad (180), Kaithal (151), Ambala (147), Jind (132), and Kurukshetra (120).
The Ministry highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the issue by releasing approximately ₹3,333 crore under the Crop Residue Management Scheme. These funds support the subsidised procurement of machines by individual farmers, custom hiring centres, and cooperatives to facilitate in-situ management of paddy straw, as well as for baling, raking machines, and equipment to facilitate ex-situ applications in Punjab, NCR states, and Delhi. The government’s efforts in managing stubble burning continue to contribute to the reduction of air pollution and improved environmental conditions in the region.
