Centre: Punjab-Haryana farm fires episodic for Delhi-NCR pollution amid big drop
Centre: Punjab-Haryana farm fires episodic for Delhi-NCR pollution amid big drop
Centre says Delhi-NCR pollution stems from multiple factors; stubble burning is episodic, as CAQM notes the biggest drop in farm fires since 2018.
Delhi is grappling with air pollution from a mix of local and regional factors, and stubble burning in Punjab and the NCR is described as an episodic event. Officials noted that vehicular and industrial emissions, construction dust, municipal waste burning, landfill fires, and meteorological conditions all contribute to the city’s air quality, not just farm fires. This framing comes as authorities highlight a broader, multi-pronged approach to reduce pollution.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reported a substantial reduction in crop burning in Punjab and Haryana, marking the biggest drop since monitoring began in 2018. The government pointed to policy measures, including subsidies for crop residue management machinery and directive-led access, as factors helping drive down farm fires.
Delhi recorded its lowest January–November average AQI since 2018, with the exception of the COVID-19 lockdown year, underscoring how weather and other emissions still shape daily air quality. While the overall trend is positive, officials stressed that episodic farm fires are only one piece of a larger pollution puzzle during the winter months.
To support farmers and curb burning, more than 2.6 lakh crop residue management machines have been distributed to Punjab and Haryana since 2018-19, with rent-free access extended to marginal farmers. The Centre has also allocated over ₹3,120 crore for crop residue management, aiming to cut open burning and improve air quality over time.
Experts say Delhi’s air remains vulnerable to seasonal spikes driven by traffic volumes, industrial activity, construction work, and meteorology. The government’s message emphasizes continued enforcement of CAQM directives and sustained investment in cleaner farming practices and broader pollution controls to maintain the downward trend in farm fires and overall air quality improvements.
Cover image source: Traffic, not stubble, behind daily pollution spikes in Delhi: Study 🔗
