📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / NASA
Agriculture
Punjab records rise in stubble fires, adding pressure to Delhi's air‑quality fight
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 16 Oct 2026, 04:16 AM
👁 10
Data shows Punjab experienced more stubble fires this year than last, a development that could worsen Delhi's ongoing battle against air pollution.
The Economic Times reports that Punjab has witnessed an increase in stubble fires compared with the previous year. Agricultural residues, primarily from paddy harvests, are being burned across several districts, releasing large quantities of smoke and particulate matter.
Environmental experts warn that the additional smoke is likely to drift towards the national capital, complicating Delhi's ongoing efforts to curb its notorious winter smog. The rise in fires comes at a time when the city is already grappling with high pollutant levels and stringent air‑quality alerts.
State officials have reiterated calls for farmers to adopt alternative residue‑management practices, but enforcement remains challenging. The situation underscores the interconnected nature of regional agricultural practices and urban air‑quality management.
Authorities in Delhi continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to activate emergency response measures if pollutant concentrations breach safe limits.
Environmental experts warn that the additional smoke is likely to drift towards the national capital, complicating Delhi's ongoing efforts to curb its notorious winter smog. The rise in fires comes at a time when the city is already grappling with high pollutant levels and stringent air‑quality alerts.
State officials have reiterated calls for farmers to adopt alternative residue‑management practices, but enforcement remains challenging. The situation underscores the interconnected nature of regional agricultural practices and urban air‑quality management.
Authorities in Delhi continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to activate emergency response measures if pollutant concentrations breach safe limits.