Punjab: Paddy stubble is being set on fire at night
Punjab: Following a crackdown on farm fires, farmers have started burning stubble at night, leading to rising pollution and health risks. According to an investigation by The Tribune, farmers in several districts are burning stubble at night to avoid daytime monitoring and penalties from law enforcement agencies, leading to a blanket of smog overnight. This shift has created an alarming public health crisis. The high humidity level at night prevents the smoke from dissipating, resulting in a thick smog and increasing respiratory problems among vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. Adarshpal Wig, chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), expressed grave concern over the development and emphasised the harmful effects of these fires. “This practice poses a risk to the health of the elderly and children as the smoke does not evaporate and may trigger cough and allergies,” Wig said.
The PPCB, in collaboration with local law enforcement officials, has cracked down on those setting fire to fields to get rid of crop residue. However, many farmers have found loopholes in satellite monitoring. By setting fire to fields late in the evening, they escape detection and possible fines. During visits to Nabipur village in Patiala district and Badli and Chunni in Fatehgarh Sahib district, The Tribune witnessed several farm fires. An official of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, who did not wish to be named, indicated that the actual number of farm fires could be higher than reported. “Not all farm fire incidents are detected as satellite imaging is not done round the clock,” the official said.
He said fires that break out at night often go undetected through satellites due to technical limitations. Despite appeals from the administration to not set fire to fields, farmers argue that burning is the most practical way to clear fields as quickly as possible. They say alternatives such as mulching or use of machinery for residue management are either expensive or time-consuming. Amritsar most polluted Amritsar and Ludhiana were the most polluted cities in the state on Saturday, with AQIs of 368 and 339, which fall in the ‘very poor’ category. Bathinda fared better with 142 points. Mandi Gobindgarh recorded 204, Jalandhar 266 and Patiala 244, all in the ‘poor’ category.
