Context:
• In October 2025, stubble burning in Punjab’s major districts (Amritsar, Taran Taran, Ferozpur) recorded a five-year low.
• Early data suggest ~20% reduction in burnt area compared to 2024.
• Winter farm fires in Punjab historically peak in the first half of November, with potential surge expected.
Key Highlights:
- Area vs Fire Counts
• Government shares fire counts daily, but does not disclose actual burnt area.
• Burnt area measurement is crucial → determines pollution contribution, as farm fires have historically contributed up to 35% of Delhi’s winter PM2.5 load.
• Past discrepancies:
– 2023: 19.1 lakh hectares burnt (vs 15.4 lakh hectares in 2022)
– 2024: 19.4 lakh hectares → indicates fire counts under-reported actual burnt area, possibly due to timed burning after satellite passes. - 2025 Data (October 13–28)
• 2.46 lakh hectares burnt in the three districts (source: Suhora Technologies satellite analysis).
• Compared to 3.15 lakh hectares same period in 2024 → reduction ~20%.
• Reduction attributed to measures implemented over last five years, including mechanised harvesting, awareness campaigns, and stricter monitoring. - Factors Affecting 2025 Burn Pattern
• Delayed satellite imagery due to heavy rain & flooding in September, slowing harvesting.
• Early October harvest → data only available post-October 10.
• First fortnight of November still critical for potential peak fires.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Major stubble burning districts: Amritsar, Taran Taran, Ferozpur.
• Historical contribution to Delhi winter pollution: up to 35% PM2.5.
• Monitoring challenge: fire counts vs actual burnt area.
• Satellite imagery & private firms (e.g., Suhora Technologies) provide critical verification.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Stubble burning → environmental & public health issue; affects air quality, climate, and agriculture sustainability.
• Measures to curb:
– PUSA decomposer & Happy Seeder technology
– Subsidies for mechanised straw management
– Awareness campaigns among farmers
– Policy enforcement + fines for non-compliance
• Way Forward:
– Real-time satellite monitoring → track actual burnt area
– Early interventions pre-November peak
– State-Centre coordination → ensure alternative straw disposal methods widely adopted.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS3 – Environment: Air Pollution, Agriculture, Climate Variability, Disaster Management.
• GS2 – Centre-State coordination, Policy Implementation.