The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal that there has been an approximate 52% reduction in stubble burning incidents up to October 31 compared to the previous year’s paddy harvesting season. The PPCB provided this information in response to the green court’s suo motu case, initiated based on media reports highlighting a surge in “stubble fires” in Delhi, which is currently grappling with deteriorating air quality as winter approaches.
The pollution control body, in its action taken report, identified hot spot districts, including Sangrur, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Moga, Patiala, Tarn Taran, and Barnala, based on reported fire incidents. The state deployed 8,500 field officials to curb stubble burning, identifying 4,328 burning sites and imposing an environmental compensation of Rs 24.3 lakh in 973 cases.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjacent areas informed the tribunal that 81% of cumulative fire incidents from September 15 to November 5 were attributed to Punjab, with Haryana contributing to 38% of crop burning incidents.
The CAQM stressed the critical need for the effective implementation of the action plan by the State government of Punjab and related administrative agencies to significantly reduce stubble burning cases, especially in areas where paddy harvest and straw management are still ongoing. According to the CAQM report, Punjab reported 14,110 farm fires from October 27 to November 5, while Haryana recorded 576 incidents during the same period, with 3,230 farm fires in Punjab on a single day, November 5, and 109 in Haryana.
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