Stubble burning, a major source of air pollution in North India, has witnessed shifting trends across various states. While traditional hotspots like Punjab and Haryana have made progress in curbing the issue, other states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are seeing a concerning rise in farm fires.
Surge in Madhya Pradesh’s Farm Fires
Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a new hotspot, surpassing Punjab in the total number of stubble burning incidents for the season. As of this year, the state has reported over 10,000 farm fire cases, with a significant increase in incidents in recent weeks. On Monday, the state recorded an alarming 506 cases in a single day, far exceeding its previous high of 296 cases on November 2. This surge accounted for more than half of the nationwide total for that day, raising concerns about the escalating problem.
Punjab Shows Improvement, Yet Remains a Major Contributor
Punjab, historically one of the largest contributors to stubble burning, has seen a decline in the number of incidents. After recording 587 cases on November 1, the number dropped to 262 by November 4, reflecting a positive shift in efforts to control crop residue burning. Despite this progress, Punjab remains the top contributor to the national total, with 4,394 cases out of the country’s 10,693 incidents.
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan Report Worrying Increases
Both Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are also witnessing troubling spikes in stubble burning incidents. Uttar Pradesh saw a sharp increase in farm fires, with 84 cases reported on Monday compared to just 16 the previous day. Rajasthan, similarly, recorded a jump from 36 to 98 incidents, marking the second-highest total of the season after October 16, when 100 cases were logged.
Positive Trends in Haryana
Haryana, in contrast to other states, has managed to reduce its stubble burning incidents. The state saw a notable decrease in farm fires, dropping from 42 cases on October 31 to just 13 by November 4, highlighting effective interventions in curbing the practice.
Growing Challenge for Policymakers
Despite improvements in certain regions, the overall number of stubble burning incidents remains troubling, with the country crossing the 10,000 mark for the year. Experts emphasize the need for urgent action to support alternative farming practices to mitigate the environmental damage caused by crop residue burning and to promote sustainable agriculture practices across the region.
Also Read: Supreme Court Permits Light Motor License Holders To Drive Commercial Vehicles
