In Punjab, India, authorities detected 45 potential stubble burning incidents between September 15 and 27, but only 22 turned out to be actual fires. Officials quickly imposed environmental compensation on those spots, collected the fines, filed FIRs, and made red entries in records to enforce the rules.
Environmental Engineer Sukhdev Singh shared details with , explaining how satellites first spot these cases. “We verify everything within 24 hours,” he said. “This year, we’ve handled 45 reports so far, down from 59 last year over the same period.” Singh pointed out why the numbers differ: Last year had rainy days that kept fields too wet for fires, while this September stayed dry. Plus, farmers harvested crops earlier—finishing by September 24 instead of the 30th—leading to more residue but fewer burnings overall. “Our efforts are paying off, even with a bigger harvest,” he added.
Stubble burning remains a big problem in Punjab and nearby northern states. Farmers often set fire to leftover crop stalks after harvest, which pumps smoke into the air and worsens pollution. This hits hard in winter, when the haze mixes with fog to form thick smog over Delhi-NCR, causing health issues like breathing problems for millions.
To fight back, the government enforces a strict ban on stubble burning and pushes farmers toward better options. These include bio-decomposers that break down residue naturally and machines that chop it up for soil use, helping cut down on air pollution from crop residue management.
Punjab stepped up its game with a special awareness camp in Amritsar on Sunday. They also launched a 24/7 control room using satellite data to catch stubble burning in real time. Once sensors pick up smoke, officers alert the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate, who sends a team to talk farmers out of lighting up. “We counsel them on the dangers and share government schemes for alternatives,” said Yug, the control room supervisor. He noted that many farmers are now skipping the practice, thanks to growing awareness. Even better, those who avoid burning get honored on national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day.
These steps show real progress in tackling stubble burning and protecting air quality in Punjab and beyond.
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