Notable Reductions In Stubble Burning In Punjab & Haryana

PHOTO COURTESY : GLOBAL GREEN NEWS

From 2019 to 2023, Haryana and Punjab have recorded notable reductions in fire incidents. Both states are classified as key regions associated with stubble burning. These fire incidents have been a major contributor in impacting Delhi’s air health, particularly during the post-monsoon season. According to an analysis of satellite data done by Climate Trends. The findings highlight promising reductions in fire counts and ongoing challenges to improving air health in Delhi.

Key Findings of the Report:

● From 2019 to 2023, both Haryana and Punjab experienced notable reductions in 2022 and 2023.

● Haryana: The state’s fire counts dropped from 14,122 in 2019 to 7,959 in 2023, with fire activity consistently higher from September to December. Karnal and Kaithal had significant decreases of approximately 86% and 78%, respectively, showing major reductions in fire activity. However, Gurgaon, Mewat and Jhajjhar showed notable rises in fire incidents. Press Release- Analysing satellite data on fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana and its impact on Delhi’s air health

Punjab: The state followed a similar trend, with fires peaking at 95,048 in 2020 and decreasing to 52,722 in 2023, but the post-monsoon period remains the most fire prone. Significant reductions in fire counts were observed in districts like Gurdaspur and Muktsar, with decreases of up to 71%. Moderate decreases were noted in districts such as Bathinda and Faridkot, with reductions ranging from 22% to 45%. Some districts, including Amritsar and Sangrur, saw minimal reductions. Meanwhile, a few places like Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar experienced slight increases in fire counts.

● Delhi’s air health was significantly impacted by these fire incidents. On days without fires, the city’s AQI averaged 175 (“Moderate”). However, during the same stubble burning season, AQI increased to 233 (“Poor”), and on days when fires exceeded climatological averages, AQI spiked to 337 (“Very Poor”).

● Fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana contributed to a 103-unit increase in Delhi’s AQI, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated fire management and air quality interventions across states.

● The data reveals a distinct seasonal pattern in fire activity, with the period from September to December consistently experiencing more fires than the earlier part of the year.

Call for Coordinated Action

The findings emphasize the need for sustained fire management strategies and cross-state collaboration between Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi to mitigate the effects of stubble burning on air quality. While reductions in fire incidents represent a positive trend, the seasonal peaks in air pollution require more robust interventions, such as improved agricultural practices, enhanced satellite monitoring, and stricter enforcement of fire-prevention measures. The report calls for measures aimed at reducing stubble burning and improving public awareness, as well as investment in cleaner agricultural technologies.

Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends said “The reduction in fire incidents across Punjab and Haryana is a mixed trend. Reductions in some districts of Punjab are significant, although the total fire count is still high. In Haryana, there is an increase in fire counts in some districts. However, the total number of comparative counts is low. Delhi continues to struggle with poor air health. While each stakeholder, from farmers to government to scientists, is doing their best, the gap lies in communication. We need to understand the challenges faced by farmers and act accordingly. Practices like mulching, in-situ crop residue management and organic farming should be considered.”

The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy