City sees fewer stubble burning cases
Ludhiana: For decades, harvest season in Ludhiana means scratchy throat, laboured breath and an unsettling smog that dulls the sunlight. However, things may be changing. As per figures released by
Punjab Pollution Control Board
(PPCB), the number of
wheat stubble burning
incidents in Ludhiana this year (around 550 so far), have reduced substantially as compared to previous years.
PPCB officials attributed this to increased awareness among farmers against such practices.
According to data provided by PPCB on the number of active fire incidents (Rabi season) were reported in Ludhiana between April 1 and May 18, 2025. As per figures based on satellite data collected by the remote sensing department, 537 such incidents were reported in Ludhiana district between April 1 and May 18, 2025. A total of 624 such cases were reported in the corresponding period last year, which means a 13.9% reduction in cases this year.
Data for the state was analysed for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
In 2022, the district recorded 933 cases of stubble burning between April 1 and May 18. Thereafter, numbers started declining over the last three years. The figure of 933 cases in 2022 was highest in four years.
According to the PPCB report, 49 cases of stubble burning were recorded in Ludhiana on May 18 this year. The number stood at 117 on the same day in 2024.
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Total of 10 cases were reported on May 18, 2023 while on May 18, 2022, there were just eight stubble burning incidents.
With 537 stubble burning incidents between April 1 and May 18 this year, Ludhiana stands at the eighth position among districts of the state in terms of stubble burning cases. Amritsar recorded the highest number of such incidents at 1,043, while Gurdaspur was second with 811, and Moga was close behind at 789.
Rupnagar had the lowest number of cases among districts of the state, with just 24 incidents recorded in the ongoing Rabi season.
A source in the PPCB said that although most farmers are not setting stubble on fire due to awareness campaigns launched by various government agencies, including PPCB, others are not paying much heed. He added that authorities are taking action against such farmers.
The district administration said that the change had come about due to consistent efforts.
Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain attributed it to awareness campaigns, deputation of village-wise nodal officers, and constant review. An official in the civil administration said that even though such incidents have witnessed a substantial fall, steps need to be taken to bring the number down even further.
Meanwhile, a progressive farmer said that while there was some improvement in the situation, wheat stubble burning was still a common practice.
Sukhjit Singh Diwala, who campaigns against stubble burning on domestic and international platforms, accused the government of being lenient with farmers burning stubble. He added that ruling parties did not take strong action as they did not want to anger farmers before elections.
He explained that many farmers were not using wheat crop stubble as fodder because the price of one quintal of fodder is around Rs 250, but farmers have to invest Rs 300 to Rs 400 per quintal to make fodder out of stubble.
Boxes:
Yearly reduction
13.9% drop in Ludhiana from 2024 to 2025.
Consistent downward trend over the last three years
District rankings (2025 Rabi season)
Highest cases:
Amritsar: 1,043
Gurdaspur: 811
Moga: 789
Ludhiana: 8th highest with 537 cases
Lowest cases:
Rupnagar: 24
SAS Nagar: 27
Pathankot: 72
Causes for decline in cases
Awareness Campaigns
Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and other government bodies ran extensive campaigns
Promoted sustainable alternatives
Village-level monitoring
Nodal officers were appointed at village level
These officers monitored fields and reported violations in real-time
Enabled quicker response and enforcement
Administrative Pressure
Regular review meetings and follow-ups by district administration
Increased accountability among local officials
Promotion of alternatives
Encouragement to use Happy Seeders, Super Straw Management Systems (SMS), and mulching techniques
Some subsidies and support provided for machinery
Legal action & penalties
Farmers found burning stubble faced fines and legal notices
This acted as a deterrent, especially in areas with strict enforcement
Community involvement
Progressive farmers and activists raised awareness
Peer influence and social pressure discouraged burning
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