The agricultural heartland of Punjab continues to grapple with the persistent issue of stubble burning, with official data revealing 241 documented cases between September 15 and October 18. This annual practice, though banned, persists as farmers clear their fields for the next planting season.
District-Wide Breakdown Shows Varied Compliance
The distribution of these incidents across Punjab's districts paints a concerning picture. Tarn Taran emerged as the hotspot with 85 cases, followed by Amritsar with 43, and Patiala reporting 36 incidents. These three districts alone accounted for over two-thirds of the total farm fires recorded during this period.
Government Response and Environmental Impact
Authorities have been actively monitoring the situation through satellite imagery and ground surveillance. The state government has implemented various measures to curb this practice, including promoting alternative methods for crop residue management and providing farmers with necessary equipment.
Environmental experts warn that the timing of these fires coincides with the onset of winter, when meteorological conditions typically trap pollutants in the atmosphere. This raises significant concerns about air quality deterioration across North India, particularly in the National Capital Region.
The Farmer's Dilemma
Many farmers argue that they lack viable alternatives for quickly preparing their fields for the next crop. The narrow window between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat leaves little time for decomposition of crop residue through natural means.
- Limited access to crop residue management machinery
- High costs associated with alternative methods
- Tight scheduling between cropping seasons
- Economic pressures on small-scale farmers
As the harvesting season progresses, environmental agencies remain on high alert, monitoring air quality indicators and preparing for potential smog conditions that have plagued the region in previous years.
