CAQM Plans Urgent Field Visits to Punjab Amid Post-Diwali Spike in Stubble Burning Incidents
The CAQM plans to conduct emergency field surveys in Punjab after a rise in reports of farm fires since Diwali 2026. This has happened because of increasing worries over the issue of air pollution at the beginning of the winter season in the northern part of India, especially the Delhi-NCR region.
These plans will involve examining the ground reality and determining the effectiveness of the plans adopted by the state governments to stop the practice of stubble burning in the ongoing paddy harvest season.
Punjab Records Increase in Farm-Fire Incidents
Stubble burning continues to be an issue in the state of Punjab as well as in Haryana, which borders Punjab, between the months of October and November. Farmers may burn stubble as a means to prepare the land for the upcoming crop by removing paddy straw.
Pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide are some of the pollutants released into the air by stubble burning. Conditions that include low wind speed, temperature inversion, and decreased atmospheric mixing make the pollutants remain in the air near the ground.
Farm burning is just one of the many sources of pollutants in the Delhi NCR area.
CAQM Plans Ground-Level Assessment
CAQM’s suggested field visits will concentrate on districts that have reported higher instances of farm fires.
The Commission might also look into the coordination between the Agriculture Department of Punjab, the district administration, and the pollution control agency.
These visits will be significant as the official data is not enough to determine why the farmers still keep burning crop residues, despite being provided with incentives.
Crop Residue Management: What Are the Alternatives?
Punjab has considered various methods as an alternative to the open field burning, which include using Super Seeders, Happy Seeders, balers, and other equipment which helps in managing the rice straw.
This equipment enables farmers to bury the crop residues in the soil or utilize the straw in industrial uses like biomass and power production.
The lack of availability of the machinery, rental charges, difficulties in operation, and time constraints between harvesting and planting may affect the decision-making of the farmers.
Impact on Delhi-NCR Air Quality
Pollution caused by agricultural fires may move beyond state borders based on the direction of the winds. It should also be noted that pollution in Delhi is caused not only by agricultural fires but also by transportation, dust, industries, and waste burning.
Therefore, a solution to this issue involves a comprehensive approach involving various sectors and not only agriculture.
What Happens Next?
These proposed CAQM inspections may help to determine areas where Punjab’s strategy to prevent stubble burning is flawed. The success of the strategy will hinge on assistance being provided to farmers, availability of equipment, crop residue market facilities, and effective monitoring.
It takes a holistic approach to find solutions to problems such as farm fires.
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