The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has identified Muktsar and Fazilka as major hotspots as Punjab's farm fire count reached 3622 incidents on Thursday. The state continues to grapple with rampant stubble burning despite government interventions and awareness campaigns.
District-Wise Breakdown of Farm Fires
According to the latest data, Muktsar district reported the highest number with 114 farm fire incidents, closely followed by Fazilka with 97 cases. Other affected districts include Bathinda with 42 incidents, Ferozepur with 36, and Mansa recording 32 cases. The persistent burning continues despite the Punjab government's efforts to control the situation.
The state government reported that 25,586 farm fires have been recorded since September 15, highlighting the scale of the agricultural practice that significantly contributes to north India's air pollution crisis. The CAQM has been closely monitoring the situation and issuing regular advisories to state authorities.
Government Response and Actions Taken
State authorities have initiated several measures to curb stubble burning, including the distribution of crop residue management machines and promoting alternative uses of paddy straw. However, the continuing high numbers indicate challenges in implementation and farmer compliance.
The Punjab government has constituted monitoring teams to identify and take action against violators. These teams are conducting ground surveys and using satellite imagery to detect fresh burning incidents. The state has also been encouraging farmers to adopt in-situ management of paddy straw through various awareness programs.
Environmental Impact and Regional Concerns
The persistent farm fires in Punjab have raised serious environmental concerns, particularly regarding their impact on air quality across northern India, including the National Capital Region. The smoke from these fires travels long distances, contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality index in neighboring states.
Environmental experts emphasize that immediate and effective measures are crucial to prevent further deterioration of air quality as winter approaches. The situation in Muktsar and Fazilka districts has drawn particular attention from the central monitoring agency due to the consistently high numbers of farm fire incidents.
The state administration continues to work on implementing the action plan prepared by the CAQM to address the stubble burning issue. However, with the harvesting season at its peak, authorities face an uphill task in controlling the situation effectively.
