While strict monitoring and awareness campaigns have successfully reduced paddy stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana during the winter, a concerning rise in farm fires has been observed during the summer months. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has intervened to address this issue.
Action Plan Required
The CAQM has written to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana, directing them to formulate a comprehensive action plan to prevent farm fires during the Rabi season.
Extended Monitoring
Previously, strict measures were limited to the paddy harvesting season (October to November). For the first time, strict monitoring of fields will now be conducted during the wheat harvesting season (April to May) as well.
Basis For The Decision
This strategic shift is based on satellite data provided by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), which has been monitoring incidents of wheat stubble burning since 2022. The data highlighted a significant number of fires during the summer months, prompting the CAQM to direct state governments to increase monitoring and enforcement.
Stubble Burning Statistics (April – May)
According to IARI data for this year, significant numbers of farm fires were reported across several states during the wheat harvesting season:
Madhya Pradesh: 34,429 incidents
Uttar Pradesh: 14,398 incidents
Punjab: 10,207 incidents
Haryana: 1,832 incidents
Delhi: 49 incidents
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Context
The move follows the successful implementation of strict monitoring during the paddy season, which resulted in a decrease in burning incidents. The CAQM aims to replicate this success during the summer to ensure year-round control of air pollution caused by farm fires.
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