Stubble Burning Surge Ignites Concerns in Punjab

Punjab experienced a rise in stubble burning incidents from September 15 to October 22, with 484 cases reported. Tarn Taran and Amritsar lead in violations, which contribute to Delhi-NCR's air pollution. Despite penalties and state initiatives, many farmers opt to burn crop residues due to the short Rabi crop window.

The number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab has surged, recording 484 cases from September 15 to October 22, an alarming increase from the previous weeks. Tarn Taran and Amritsar are the most affected areas, with farmers still opting for this method despite governmental appeals and environmental penalties.

Stubble burning is a significant contributor to air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The limited timeframe between the paddy harvest and sowing of the Rabi crop, wheat, compels some farmers to clear fields quickly by burning residues. This has resulted in fines worth Rs 11.45 lakh, of which Rs 7.40 lakh has been collected so far.

Legal actions include 184 FIRs filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and 187 marked 'red entries' in land records. Despite ongoing campaigns to promote alternative residue management methods, stubble burning persists, although the practice has seen a decreasing trend in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies.)