Stubble burning in the Punjab decreased by nearly 40% this year (2025), due to a crackdown and increased monitoring by the authorities. The stubble fire count dropped from 4,132 last year to 2,518 in the state. Stubble fire counts decreased in Punjab and Haryana — the epicentre of stubble fires — during this season’s paddy stubble burning period (September 15-November 3) compared to last year, according to data released by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday. There was an even steeper decline in Haryana, from 857 fire incidents to 145. The remarkable decline is due to special enforcement drives, such as field inspections, penalties, and FIRs, coupled with technology-based monitoring through satellite images and real-time alerts.
The CAQM has established a monitoring cell in Chandigarh, which, along with 31 flying squads across Punjab and Haryana, has been tasked with ensuring compliance. The drive led to conducting more than 2,161 field inspections and levying environmental compensation amounting to Rs 52.75 lakh in Punjab, as well as filing legal cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This has since spiralled and led to a noticeable change in the air quality in Delhi-NCR. However, a few pollution control measures, such as emergency actions under the Graded Response Action Plan, are still operational.
Punjab’s novel method to curb stubble burning is based on tech-driven satellite monitoring in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), ground validation, and effective enforcement. Farmers are risking heavy penalties and facing FIRs in case of violation. According to the government, by streamlining accountability at every level in departments, a zero-tolerance approach would be adopted towards stubble burning. With farmers on board, programs and the promotion of CRM tools such as happy seeders and mulchers have become the last resort to manage environmental concerns before they become a threat.
Despite a significant drop in the number of fires, the total affected farmland area remains worrisome due to large, sporadic, or underreported fire outbreaks. Experts stress the importance of long-term economic incentives, such as providing subsidies for using CRM machinery, utilizing residue for biomass energy , and activating farmers to diversify their crops, which minimizes people’s dependence on stubble burning.
In conclusion, Punjab’s 40% reduction in stubble burning this year is a significant achievement, and the deterrent effect is likely due to strict action, the utilization of technology, and the implementation of joint, coordinated policy implications. To maintain this momentum, ongoing surveillance is necessary for the alternative management of residues and to provide economic incentives that prevent further farm fires and improve regional air quality.