While stubble burning has dropped sharply in Indian Punjab, the air across North India is still choking — and this time, the culprit lies across the border. A new joint report by Punjab University (PU) and PGIMER, Chandigarh, reveals that Pakistan’s Punjab is witnessing far more stubble fires than India’s, adding to the already dangerous pollution after Diwali fireworks.
Pakistan Punjab Emits More Smoke
From September 1 to October 20, satellite data shows:
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Pakistan Punjab: 3,472 stubble burning incidents
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Indian Punjab: 471
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Haryana: 281
That means Pakistan’s Punjab recorded seven times more fires than Indian Punjab. On Diwali Day (October 20) alone, 1,750 fires were detected in Pakistan Punjab — compared to just 200 in Indian Punjab.
Massive Improvement on the Indian Side
Despite being blamed every year, Indian Punjab has achieved a 58% drop in farm fires, while Haryana recorded a 65% reduction. But pollution levels continue to spike because smoke from across the border drifts into India — worsening AQI in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi NCR.
Experts Warn: The Worst Is Yet to Come
Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, from PGIMER’s Department of Community Medicine, warned that the next two weeks are critical, as paddy harvesting will accelerate and stubble burning is expected to rise sharply — especially in Pakistan’s Punjab.
“The smoke doesn’t respect borders,” he said. “It’s likely to push North India’s air into the ‘severe’ zone once again.”
Data From Previous Years
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2024 Diwali (Nov 1): 1,315 fires in Punjab, 165 in Haryana, 1,786 in Pakistan Punjab
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2023 Diwali (Nov 12): 9,097 fires in Punjab, 301 in Haryana, 1,622 in Pakistan Punjab
This year shows clear improvement in India, but a surge in Pakistan — threatening to undo gains made through government and farmer awareness campaigns.
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