Panjab Sees 96% Dip in Straw Fires Since 2020

The total number of stubble burning cases has now risen to 743 across Panjab. In the last week, the state has witnessed 328 stubble-burning cases due to acceleration in paddy harvesting. 266 First Information Reports have been registered, leading to 296 red entries in the revenue records and a total penalty of USD 19K on farmers of the state. The numbers are still very low compared to 10,909 farm fires in 2024 and 36,663 in 2023. An analysis of the data on stubble-burning incidents between 15 Sep–21 Oct shows 1,729 cases of stubble burning across six states—Panjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. During this period, Panjab recorded 415 incidents, the lowest in the past six years. Since 2020, the incidents of stubble burning in Panjab have reduced by 96%. Also, the share of stubble burning in Delhi's Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 levels has remained around 1% on most days so far this season. The highest contribution from stubble burning was PM 2.6% on 17 Oct. Meanwhile, in Panjab, the biomass power plants are not working to full capacity. The Jalkheri biomass power plant, in Fatehgarh Sahib district, is a 10-MW unit originally commissioned by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in 1992. It was shut down shortly after commissioning but recommissioned in June 2024 after being leased to a private player. The plant, fully renovated by the company, has a stated capacity to consume 100K tonnes of paddy stubble annually. While the plant is reportedly operational and supplying power to PSPCL under a purchase agreement, locals question why straw from 2024 is languishing outside the plant? 'The plant is working and claims to be 100% environment-friendly. Then why was this stock collected if it was not going to be used?' asked Surjit Singh, a villager. Amid the ongoing campaign against stubble burning, farmer leaders say such neglect sends a contradictory message. Jagmohan Singh Patiala, state general secretary of farmers’ union Bhartiya Kisan Union (Dakaunda) said, ‘If they want to stop stubble burning, the area should be cleared and prepared for fresh storage’ (earlier coverage).