Punjab records 24 % increase in farm fires, no challan issued so far

Punjab has recorded a 25 per cent increase in stubble burning incidents as compared to 2018, which the state government attributed to early harvesting of paddy crop this year.

The number of farm fires in Haryana, however, has decreased by 10 per cent as compared to last year, despite the "moderate implementation of the ban on stubble burning due to elections", according to officials.

Till October 20, Punjab recorded 2,482 cases of stubble burning against 1,980 last year, an increase of around 25 per cent.

A significant rise in stubble burning was recorded on October 19 and 20. While 446 cases were reported on October 19, the number on October 20 touched the 500 mark.

Only 64 cases were recorded on October 18 when a western disturbance caused rainfall in parts of Punjab.

According to Punjab Pollution Control Board data, Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Patiala have recorded 450, 417 and 249 cases, respectively.

Haryana witnessed 2,048 farm fires as compared to 2,283 last year.

Karnal, Kaithal and Kurukshetra have reported 543, 503 and 422 incidents of stubble burning, respectively, till October 20.

The period between October 15 and November 15 is considered critical as maximum number of stubble burning incidents take place in this span in Punjab and adjoining states, which is one of the main reasons for alarming spike in pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Despite a ban on stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, farmers continue to defy it amid lack of financial incentives.

State governments are providing 50 to 80 per cent subsidy to farmers and cooperative societies to buy modern farm equipment for in-situ management of paddy straw, and running a massive awareness campaign against stubble burning.

A Punjab government official, who did not wish to be named, said the high court's September 19 order staying the recovery of fine from farmers found violating the ban on stubble burning has subdued the effect of challans. "Not one challan has been issued this year."