Dramatic Drop in Stubble Burning Cases as Punjab and Haryana Toughen Enforcement

Stubble burning cases in Punjab and Haryana fell by over 50% in a year, with FIRs decreasing from 6,469 to 2,193. RTI data from the CAQM revealed enforcement intensified, reflected in reduced fines. Recent studies suggest stubble burning is not the main cause of Delhi's severe air pollution.

Stubble burning cases in Punjab and Haryana have plummeted by more than 50 percent in a single year, with the number of FIRs registered dropping from 6,469 to 2,193, according to data from the Commission for Air Quality Management obtained under the Right to Information Act.

The decline in farm fire incidents from 12,750 to 6,080 shows tougher enforcement against stubble burning is taking effect. This reduction has contributed to a reevaluation of causes behind Delhi's severe winter air pollution, with new research indicating that stubble burning is no longer the primary contributor.

Despite these enforcement efforts, environmentalists question the measures taken within Delhi-NCR to target local polluters. They argue more accountability is necessary as stubble burning continues to significantly affect air quality, peaking at 22% of pollution sources during early winter.

(With inputs from agencies.)