60% Increase in Stubble Burning Across Six States Worsens Delhi's Air Quality Crisis

Punjab registered 3,622 stubble burning incidents between September 15 and November 8.

Escalating air pollution in Delhi continues to highlight stubble burning concerns in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana. According to data from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agriculture Research Institute's CREAMS laboratory, six states collectively reported a 60 percent increase in stubble burning incidents within 24 hours on November 8.

The monitoring covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Satellite remote sensing data revealed that stubble burning incidents surged from 568 on November 7 to 911 the following day.

This data collection adheres to the "Standard Protocol for Estimation of Crop Residue Burning Fire Events using Satellite Data," as confirmed by the CREAMS laboratory.

On November 8, Madhya Pradesh topped the list with 353 stubble burning cases, followed by Punjab with 238, Haryana with 158, Rajasthan with 120, and Uttar Pradesh with 42.

Between September 15 and November 8 of this season, authorities detected 8,365 crop burning events across the six states, with Punjab accounting for the highest number at 3,622.

Within Punjab, Sangrur district, a major rice producer, reported the maximum stubble burning incidents at 602 during this period. Even on November 8 specifically, Sangrur led Punjab in burning incidents, with Firozpur and Mansa following closely behind at 33 and 27 cases respectively.

While stubble burning is not the primary cause of Delhi-NCR's air pollution, it remains a significant contributor. The issue frequently becomes a political flashpoint, with Delhi's ruling BJP criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab over stubble burning practices.

"Delhi bearing the brunt of pollution from neighbouring states, stubble being burnt despite the Supreme Court's stricture," stated Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

To address this problem, the Supreme Court previously suggested imprisoning some farmers to send a "correct message."

"Why don't you think of some penalty provisions for the agriculturists? If you have a real intention of protecting the environment, then why shy away?" the Chief Justice once questioned.

"Farmers are special, and we are eating because of them... but it does not mean that they can take advantage," the Chief Justice added.