📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / CIAT
Agriculture
Punjab Reports 198 New Stubble Burning Incidents Amid Air Pollution Surge
✍️ News18
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 10:02 AM
👁 9
Punjab authorities have logged 198 new stubble burning cases this week, contributing to a sharp rise in air pollution across the state.
Punjab’s agricultural department has recorded 198 fresh stubble‑burning incidents in the past week, a figure that underscores the growing environmental crisis. The incidents, primarily involving wheat and rice stubble, were identified through satellite imagery and ground‑level monitoring.
The spike in stubble burning coincides with a marked increase in particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, prompting health advisories from the state’s pollution control board. Residents in rural districts have reported respiratory discomfort and reduced visibility.
Farmers cite the lack of affordable machinery and the time pressure of post‑harvest activities as key reasons for resorting to burning. The government has reiterated its commitment to providing subsidised equipment and has urged farmers to adopt alternative residue management practices.
Environmental groups have called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and for the expansion of the state’s stubble‑burning ban. They warn that continued burning could have long‑term health and ecological impacts.
The Punjab government plans to launch a pilot program to distribute low‑cost stubble‑processing units in the coming months, aiming to curb the practice and improve air quality.
The spike in stubble burning coincides with a marked increase in particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, prompting health advisories from the state’s pollution control board. Residents in rural districts have reported respiratory discomfort and reduced visibility.
Farmers cite the lack of affordable machinery and the time pressure of post‑harvest activities as key reasons for resorting to burning. The government has reiterated its commitment to providing subsidised equipment and has urged farmers to adopt alternative residue management practices.
Environmental groups have called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and for the expansion of the state’s stubble‑burning ban. They warn that continued burning could have long‑term health and ecological impacts.
The Punjab government plans to launch a pilot program to distribute low‑cost stubble‑processing units in the coming months, aiming to curb the practice and improve air quality.