Chandigarh: Punjab has witnessed a concerning surge in stubble burning incidents, with 122 cases reported on Sunday, marking the highest daily increase this season. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the state has seen a total of 743 incidents of stubble burning between September 15 and October 26, highlighting an ongoing environmental challenge.
The majority of these incidents were concentrated in the Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts, which have been hotspots for crop residue burning in previous years as well. Despite repeated appeals from the state government urging farmers to avoid burning stubble, many continue to disregard the warnings, contributing to rising pollution levels and deteriorating air quality.
In the past week alone, the state has experienced a significant increase in stubble-burning cases. The number of incidents jumped from 353 cases by October 20 to 390 by October 26, according to official figures. Experts warn that this sharp rise in activity could further exacerbate the already poor air quality in the region, particularly as the winter months approach.
The state government has implemented various measures to reduce stubble burning, including providing subsidies for machinery to manage crop residue and conducting awareness campaigns. However, the persistence of the issue suggests that many farmers face financial and logistical challenges in adopting alternative methods for disposing of the crop waste.
Environmental experts and health professionals are particularly concerned about the impact of these emissions on public health, as stubble burning is a significant contributor to air pollution in northern India. With the ongoing issue in Punjab, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to curb the practice, but the challenge remains a complex one with deep-rooted agricultural and economic factors.
