BATHINDA: The crop residue burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana contributed to a 103-unit increase in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) during the winter months in the previous years, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated fire management and air quality interventions across states, finds a study by research based consulting firm Climate Trends.
The findings were released on Tuesday during a workshop in collaboration with Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI).
The findings emphasize the need for sustained fire management strategies and cross-state collaboration between Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi to mitigate the effects of stubble burning on air quality.
While reductions in fire incidents represent a positive trend, the seasonal peaks in air pollution require more robust interventions, such as improved agricultural practices, enhanced satellite monitoring, and stricter enforcement of fire-prevention measures.
The report calls for measures aimed at reducing stubble burning and improving public awareness, as well as investment in cleaner agricultural technologies.
The report found that from 2019 to 2023, Punjab and Haryana have recorded fluctuations in fire incidents, with notable reductions in 2022 and 2023.
Both states are classified as key regions associated with stubble burning. These fire incidents have been a major contributor in impacting Delhi’s air health, particularly during the post-monsoon season.
Punjab witnessed stubble burning peaking in 2020 and decreasing to considerable levels in 2023. Significant reductions in fire counts were observed in districts like Gurdaspur and Muktsar, with decreases of up to 71%.
Moderate decreases were noted in districts Bathinda and Faridkot, with reductions ranging from 22% to 45%. Some districts, including Amritsar and Sangrur, saw minimal reductions. Meanwhile, a few places like SAS Nagar (Mohali) experienced slight increases in fire counts.
The Haryana's fire counts too dropped from 2019 levels to 2023. Karnal and Kaithal had significant decreases of 86% and 78% respectively, showing major reductions in fire activity. However, Gurgaon, Mewat and Jhajjhar showed notable rises in fire incidents.
Delhi's air health was significantly impacted by these fire incidents. On days without fires, the city's AQI averaged 175 (Moderate). However, during the same stubble burning season, AQI increased to 233 (Poor), and on days when fires exceeded climatological averages, AQI spiked to 337 (Very Poor).
The data reveals a distinct seasonal pattern in fire activity, with the period from September to December consistently experiencing more fires than the earlier part of the year.
Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends “The reduction in fire incidents across Punjab and Haryana is a mixed trend. Reductions in some districts of Punjab are significant, although the total fire count is still high.
In Haryana, there is an increase in fire counts in some districts. However, the total number of comparative counts is low.
Delhi continues to struggle with poor air health. While each stakeholder, from farmers to government to scientists, is doing their best, the gap lies in communication.
We need to understand the challenges faced by farmers and act accordingly. Practices like mulching, in-situ crop residue management and organic farming should be considered.”
RN Padaria, Joint Director - Extension, IARI said “There is increasing awareness and farmers' engagement in stubble burning management through an integrated approach of using short duration paddy varieties, on farm management with appropriate farm machinery to facilitate incorporation of straw in soil, mulching and preparation of feed blocks.
Persuasive communication, custom hired machineries and appropriate technological options have provided a boost to effective management of stubble burning.”
Sagnik Dey, Professor, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi said "While the farm fires have seen a dip in numbers, we must also focus on the other sources that contribute to Delhi's poor air all year round."