The paddy harvesting season of 2025 has concluded with a notable decline in farm fire incidents across Punjab and Haryana, marking a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to curb air pollution caused by stubble burning. The official period for recording, monitoring, and assessing paddy stubble fires, conducted annually from September 15 to November 30 under ISRO’s standard protocol, has now ended.
Under the coordinated framework of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the number of farm fires in the two states has steadily fallen over recent years. While meteorological conditions continue to influence Delhi-NCR’s air quality, the substantial reduction in stubble burning this season has helped limit episodic pollution spikes traditionally linked to post-harvest fires.
Punjab recorded a total of 5,114 fire incidents this season—the lowest in recent years—representing a 53% decrease from 2024, 86% from 2023, 90% from 2022, and 93% from 2021. Haryana also maintained strong performance, with 662 reported farm fires, marking a reduction of 53% from 2024, 71% from 2023, 81% from 2022, and 91% from 2021. These figures represent the most significant decline since CAQM began monitoring state-specific crop residue management measures under their Action Plans.
The drop in fire counts has been driven by the implementation of State and District Action Plans, widespread deployment of crop residue management machinery, and strict enforcement measures. Additional factors include increased utilization of paddy straw in alternative applications, such as biomass-based energy generation, industrial boiler fuel, bio-ethanol production, co-firing in thermal power plants and brick kilns using straw pellets or briquettes, as well as in packaging and other commercial uses.
CAQM ensured consistent coordination between State Agriculture Departments, District administrations, and rapid corrective action when significant fire events were reported. Ground-level inspections, enforcement by flying squads and the Parali Protection Force, continuous monitoring across hotspot districts, and targeted awareness campaigns for farmers played an essential role. A dedicated CAQM cell in Chandigarh now oversees year-round monitoring of paddy stubble management and related pollution control activities.
With these measures and a continued push toward eliminating paddy straw burning in Punjab, Haryana, and neighboring NCR states, authorities expect sustained improvement in regional air quality in the years ahead.
