In a bid to curb stubble burning, Punjab and Haryana have imposed penalties on farmers for farm fires, with Punjab collecting ₹2 crore in fines and Haryana ₹21 lakh. These penalties come as part of efforts to reduce air pollution, which intensifies during the post-harvest season.
Punjab, which sees a significantly higher number of stubble-burning incidents, levied fines across districts with high fire counts. Haryana, while facing fewer cases, also implemented strict measures to penalize violations.
Despite these efforts, stubble burning remains a persistent challenge, contributing to severe air quality deterioration in the region and neighboring areas, including Delhi. Farmers often cite the lack of affordable alternatives to crop residue management as a primary reason for continuing the practice.
State governments have been urged to bolster support for sustainable farming methods, including subsidies for machinery like Happy Seeders and increased awareness campaigns. While penalties may act as a deterrent, long-term solutions are essential to address this pressing environmental issue.
