In an answer to a call from the National Green Tribunal over escalating concerns regarding rising air pollution affecting the National Capital Region and its periphery, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has reported a marked fall in the number of cases of stubble burning across the state between September and November. The NGT had issued a call for a detailed report on stubble-burning practices in Punjab considering their role in seasonal peaks in air pollution in NCR. The report submitted on November 5 makes an observation on a comprehensive approach of the Punjab government in the management of field fires-the surveillance, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.
Three-Year Trends of Declining Stubble-Burning Cases
According to the report, Punjab had witnessed a consistent decrease in stubble-burning cases over the last three years in peak season. Between September 15 and November 4 of 2024, 4,145 incidents of stubble-burning were reported, sharply lower than in previous years at 26,583 cases in 2022 and 14,173 cases in 2023, according to media reports, which cited the reasons for the decline as the coordinated efforts put up by the departments at the state level, local authorities, and the enforcement agencies.
The report by the PPCB enlists a well-rounded strategy that comprises close monitoring, field inspections, and legal precursors against stubble burning. PPCB Member Secretary Gurinder Singh Majithia said in his statement, “The state is aggressively employing novel approaches to curtail stubble-burning cases and enhance the air quality in Punjab and its neighboring areas.”
Enforcement and Monitoring: Field Functionaries and Legal Action
The PPCB’s report to the NGT further highlights the reinforced mechanisms of enforcement. 9,492 field functionaries were appointed in Punjab for monitoring and controlling cases of stubble burning. Follow-up field inspections were conducted after every case and within 4,046 fields were inspected following cases reported by the PRSC within this season that adds up to 4,132 in total. In half the cases, no stubble-burning was seen, which indicates an improvement in farmers’ compliance.
To deter offenders, from September 18 to October 30, Punjab Police lodged 1,626 FIRs. Furthermore, the deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police in districts, on joint tours, sensitised the public and monitored enforcement at risk points. During the reporting period, Punjab issued environmental compensation damages in 2,095 cases. It collected a sum amounting to ₹49,57,500 as damages. The fines collected act as deterrent measures and raise funds for environmental causes simultaneously.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Stakeholders’ Meetings and Shared Patrol Duties
In the issue of stubble burning, the Punjab government has been stressing public awareness along with law enforcement. The report said that the community awareness meetings were conducted across Punjab, particularly targeting the high stubble-burning areas, numbering around 4,669. In addition, the police and revenue departments have been patrolling sensitive areas and directly reaching out to farmers on immediate risks. Altogether, teams from the police and revenue departments conducted 7,811 patrols in these areas and spoke to farmers directly.
All these initiatives are part of a larger effort to create awareness about the environmental as well as health implications of stubble burning and making alternative methods for crop residue management available to farmers. This concerted patrolling also helped in instant identification of fire incidents and field officers could contain and prevent the escalation of the fire.
Technology Utilization: Remote Sensing for Monitoring
The report by PPCB emphasizes the role of technology as a very handy tool in monitoring and controlling stubble-burning cases. The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) collects data on incidences of stubble burning through satellite imagery that trace fire locations. The remote-sensing method allows for quick identification of affected areas so that field inspectors are promptly asked to visit locations with incidents to verify and take necessary action. The report attributes the following real-time monitoring system as vital for immediate detection and response to stubble-burning activities:.
Future Steps: Continued Monitoring and Increased Enforcement
It will continue to keep a strict check on the stubble-burning incidents and improve the enforcement up to the extent needed, added the PPCB. With this, it is already acknowledging the fact that air pollution is not just a Punjabi problem but a problem where NCR faces issues owing to stubble smoke getting added to the seasonal crisis around winter. With improved enforcement and encouragement for alternative agricutural practices, Punjab may reduce the number of such incidents in the coming years.
The PPCB report states that this process cannot be overnight eliminated but ensures sustainable efforts through technology, the law, and public involvement. However, as has been said, reported cases have decreased, yet the PPCB holds its ground that vigilance coupled with community involvement will always be required for a sustainable outcome. The NGT will ensure Punjab complies with national air quality standards by maintaining constant watch over the measures adopted.
Summary and Implications for NCR Air Quality
The diverse statewide efforts seem to go some way in reducing, if not eradicating, the impact of stubble burning on NCR air quality. Even though seasonal air pollution persists in Delhi and NCR, Punjab’s work, especially in checking field fires, becomes an example for other states of the Indo-Gangetic Plains to follow. As burning stubble reduces in Punjab, measures here can be emulated as a model in other states where such practices are a major source of air quality crisis during winter.
The report by PPCB to NGT marks an important step towards regional cooperation in air quality management, an issue that now commands much attention for environmental policies across North India. Though accelerated gains seem to appear today, long-term success depends on sustaining public awareness and the enforcement process along with new technological advances.
Source: PPCB Report, NGT