Stubble burning in Punjab triples in 10 days; Tarn Taran and Amritsar report highest cases
PTC Web Desk: According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), stubble burning incidents in Punjab have surged this season, with the total count reaching 353 cases so far. Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts have recorded the highest number of cases.
PPCB data indicates that over the past 10 days, incidents of stubble burning have more than tripled in the state. Until 11 October, 116 such cases were reported.
Tarn Taran leads the state with 125 reported cases, followed closely by Amritsar with 112 incidents, as many farmers continue to burn crop residue despite repeated appeals from the state government. Other districts have also reported stubble burning: Ferozepur recorded 27 cases, Patiala 23, and Sangrur eight. Overall, between 15 September and 20 October, 353 stubble burning incidents were reported across Punjab.
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often cited as a major contributor to worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, particularly during the post-harvest season. Farmers, due to limited time between paddy harvesting and sowing the next wheat crop, often resort to burning crop residue to clear fields quickly for the next sowing cycle.
Authorities continue to appeal to farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods for managing crop residue to prevent severe air pollution and protect public health.
- With inputs from agencies
