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Stubble Burning Cases Rise: Punjab Leads in Crop Residue Fires
2 Nov
Summary
- Over 1,300 stubble burning incidents reported between mid-September and late October.
- Punjab reported the highest number of crop residue fires, followed by Uttar Pradesh.
- Significant environmental compensation was imposed and partially recovered in affected states.
Between September 15 and October 29, 2026, a total of 1,383 stubble burning cases were officially reported. Punjab recorded the highest number with 1,007 incidents, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 345, and Haryana with 29. Two cases were also noted in Delhi.
Authorities imposed environmental compensation amounting to ₹18.17 lakh across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Of this sum, approximately ₹13.57 lakh, or about 75%, has been recovered. In Punjab alone, ₹17.5 lakh was imposed, with ₹13.1 lakh recovered, while Haryana saw ₹50,000 imposed and ₹30,000 recovered.
The data, disclosed in a recent RTI reply, highlights the ongoing efforts to monitor and enforce regulations against crop residue burning. This practice is a significant contributor to the seasonal rise in air pollution in the National Capital Region during October and November.
On a recent Sunday, stubble burning contributed 18.57% to Delhi's PM 2.5 pollution, a substantial increase from 5.3% the previous day. To address the issue, 5,802 FIRs were registered in Punjab and 667 in Haryana during 2026.
However, experts emphasize that stubble burning is not the sole cause of regional pollution. Road dust, construction activities, industrial emissions, and waste burning are also identified as major contributors to the overall pollution burden.
