While millions across India celebrated Diwali with lamps and fireworks, Punjab's farmers continued another, more controversial tradition: stubble burning. On the festival day itself, the state recorded 45 fresh farm fire incidents, adding to the region's ongoing air quality crisis.
Tarn Taran Emerges as Hotspot
The border district of Tarn Taran reported the highest number of farm fires with multiple incidents detected through satellite monitoring. This continues the district's troubling pattern of leading in stubble burning cases, despite ongoing awareness campaigns and government interventions.
Seasonal Trends Show Mixed Signals
While the Diwali day numbers are concerning, the broader seasonal picture reveals some improvement. Compared to previous years, Punjab has witnessed a 30% reduction in farm fires this season. However, environmental experts warn that even these reduced numbers contribute significantly to the deteriorating air quality across North India.
The Environmental Impact
The timing of these farm fires couldn't be worse. Combined with Diwali fireworks and unfavorable meteorological conditions, the stubble burning has contributed to hazardous air quality levels across several cities. The smoke from these agricultural practices travels hundreds of kilometers, affecting not just Punjab but neighboring states as well.
Government Response and Challenges
State authorities have been implementing various measures to curb the practice, including:
- Providing subsidized machinery for crop residue management
- Conducting awareness campaigns about alternative uses for stubble
- Monitoring fields through satellite technology
- Imposing penalties on violators
Despite these efforts, many farmers continue the practice due to the short window between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat, making stubble burning the quickest and cheapest solution for them.
The Way Forward
As the stubble burning season continues, environmentalists emphasize the need for more sustainable solutions that balance agricultural needs with environmental protection. The situation in Tarn Taran and other affected districts highlights the ongoing challenge of transitioning to cleaner farming practices while supporting farmer livelihoods.
