9 per cent rise in farm fires in Punjab during Sept 15-Oct 26 period compared to last year: CAQM

There has been a significant nine per cent rise in stubble burning incidents in Punjab between September 15 and October 26 this year in comparison to the corresponding period in 2021 which is a matter of concern, the Commission for Air Quality Management said on Thursday.

It said the total number of farm fires in Haryana has, however, reduced by 26 per cent as compared to last year in the same period.

In view of the spike in stubble incidents, the commission has taken up the matter with the Punjab government for effective implementation of action plan, including strategies for stubble management, the CAQM said.

As per the standard protocol developed by ISRO for CAQM, between September 15 to October 26, total paddy residue burning events reported in Punjab are 7,036 compared to 6,463 for the same period during the last year, which is a significant increase of about nine per cent.