Punjab is once again grappling with a surge in stubble burning incidents, triggering alarm over rising air pollution levels ahead of winter. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the state has recorded 353 cases this season, marking a more than threefold increase in just the last ten days.
Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts are leading the numbers, with 125 and 112 cases respectively, while Ferozepur and Patiala have also reported a rise. Despite the government’s continuous awareness campaigns and strict action including over Rs 8 lakh in fines and 149 FIRs, many farmers continue to set fire to crop residue to clear their fields quickly for Rabi sowing.
Officials say that while overall incidents have declined over recent years due to sustained government efforts, the persistence of this practice continues to threaten air quality not only in Punjab but across northern India, especially as winds carry pollutants toward Delhi-NCR.
Health experts have urged residents to take preventive measures during this pollution season. People are advised to wear N95 masks when outdoors, use air purifiers indoors, avoid early morning walks in smog, keep windows closed during peak pollution hours, and increase indoor greenery with plants like aloe vera and spider plants that help purify the air.
Authorities stress that long-term solutions lie in supporting farmers with affordable alternatives to residue burning, such as subsidized machinery, bio-decomposers, and incentives for adopting eco-friendly farming methods.