Chandigarh, October 24:
Punjab has recorded nearly 70% fewer stubble burning incidents this year compared to the same period last year, with the state’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) also showing marked improvement. The decline is being attributed to strict government enforcement, heightened surveillance, and increased farmer awareness.
According to official data, only 484 cases of stubble burning were reported in Punjab between September 15 and October 22, 2025, compared to 1,581 cases during the same period in 2024. This significant reduction comes as the government deployed a force of 10,000 officers to monitor the practice across all 23 districts, with 4,000 officers specifically stationed in identified hotspot villages.
Officials say these teams have been conducting continuous awareness drives to educate farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning and the benefits of alternative disposal methods.
Improved Air Quality
The impact of reduced stubble burning is evident in Punjab’s air quality data.
In October 2024, the average AQI of major cities was:
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Amritsar – 133
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Ludhiana – 121
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Mandi Gobindgarh – 154
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Patiala – 125
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Jalandhar – 118
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Khanna – 116
In October 2025, these numbers improved noticeably:
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Amritsar – 96
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Ludhiana – 111
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Mandi Gobindgarh – 130
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Patiala – 92
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Jalandhar – 110
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Khanna – 105
Despite this improvement, air quality in some areas remains poor. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Mandi Gobindgarh (266), Ludhiana (235), and Jalandhar (225) still fall in the ‘poor’ category, posing health risks for respiratory patients. Other cities reported the following AQI levels: Ropar (190), Amritsar (186), Khanna (138), and Patiala (119). Bathinda (73) was the only city in the ‘satisfactory’ range.
Focus on Hotspot Districts
According to the Punjab Remote Sensing Center, Ludhiana, eight districts remain on the hotspot list for farm fires: Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Bathinda, Moga, Barnala, Mansa, and Faridkot.
Last year, these districts collectively recorded 6,815 fire incidents, with Sangrur (1,725) topping the list.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had set a “zero-burning” target for Punjab this year. While complete elimination still seems difficult, authorities point out that progress has been substantial — with 36,663 cases in 2023, 10,909 in 2024, and a projected 5,000 for 2025.
Rice Cultivation and Stubble Challenge
Punjab grows paddy on nearly 31 lakh hectares, including 23.79 lakh hectares of non-basmati and 7 lakh hectares of basmati rice. This results in about 200 lakh tonnes of paddy residue, creating an enormous disposal challenge each year.
Expert Opinion
“Awareness among farmers has increased significantly. What we need now is more on-ground engagement — identifying and addressing farmers’ challenges directly. Only then can we achieve sustainable results,”
— Dr. Harsh Nair, Professor, Panjab University.
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