In a major environmental breakthrough, the incidents of stubble burning in Haryana, Punjab, NCR – UP, NCR- Rajasthan and Delhi have significantly reduced during the current paddy harvesting season from 15th September to 29th October, 2023.
The total stubble burning incidents have decreased from 13,964 in the corresponding period in 2022 to 6,391 in 2023 and from 11,461 in the corresponding period in 2021 to 6,391 in 2023. This marks a reduction of 54.2% & 44.3% respectively.
This achievement is the result of a series of interventions by various stakeholders, including frequent review and daily monitoring. These efforts have successfully brought down stubble burning incidents significantly over the last two years.
State-wise breakdown
In Punjab
| Year | Total Stubble Burning Incidents | Single Day Highest Fire Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,001 | 1,353 (29th October) |
| 2022 | 12,112 | 2,067 (28th October) |
| 2023 | 5,254 | 1,068 (29th October) |
The farm fire events reported in Punjab during the 45 days period of the current year are 56.6% & 41.6% lesser as compared to the corresponding periods in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
And here are the five districts of Punjab where maximum stubble burning has been detected in the current year so far:
| District | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Amritsar | 1,060 |
| Tarn Taran | 646 |
| Patiala | 614 |
| Sangrur | 564 |
| Firozpur | 517 |
In Punjab, the total stubble burning incidents detected during these 45 days period is 5,254 as against 12,112 in 2022 and 9,001 in 2021. This indicates a decrease of 56.6% & 41.6% compared to the corresponding periods in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
In Haryana
| Year | Total Stubble Burning Incidents | Farm Fire Events (%) Compared to Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,094 | – |
| 2022 | 1,813 | 39.7% Lesser |
| 2021 | 2,413 | 54.7% Lesser |
Top 5 Districts in Haryana for Stubble Burning in 2023
| District | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Fatehabad | 180 |
| Kaithal | 151 |
| Ambala | 147 |
| Jind | 132 |
| Kurukshetra | 120 |
In Haryana, the total stubble burning incidents detected during these 45 days period are 1,094 as against 1,813 in 2022 and 2,413 in 2021. This marks a decrease of 39.7% & 54.7% compared to the corresponding periods in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
Government Initiatives
The Central Government has released funds amounting to about Rs. 3,333 crore under the Crop Residue Management Scheme. These funds have been allocated to the State Government of Punjab, NCR States and GNCT of Delhi for subsidised procurement of machines by individual farmers / custom hiring centres and cooperatives.
Despite the substantial reduction in paddy stubble burning incidents compared to previous years, stubble burning cases in Punjab have suddenly spiked over the last few days. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has advised the State Governments of Punjab and Haryana to implement all preventive and corrective measures to control stubble burning.
The Commission has been reviewing the implementation of Action Plans for control of stubble burning in Punjab and NCR States on a regular basis. The focus is to ensure that the gains achieved are not lost and the momentum is maintained in the coming days.
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