Punjab records 1,152 farm fires on Diwali, seasonal tally crosses last year's count

Punjab witnessed an unprecedented surge in paddy stubble burning on Diwali, with 1,152 fresh farm fires reported in a single day. The spike pushed the state's cumulative tally from 3,307 to 4,459, taking it past the 3,316 incidents recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The sharp increase came as farmers faced mounting pressure to clear their fields for the next wheat crop, with the November 15 sowing deadline recommended by Punjab Agricultural University approaching. The state's farm-fire monitoring season is scheduled to continue until November 30.

Data from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), based on satellite tracking by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), showed that the Diwali figure was the highest single-day increase recorded this season. The previous highest daily count was 584, reported on November 3.

Sangrur accounted for the largest share of the fresh incidents, with 194 fires on Diwali. Ferozepur recorded 157, Bathinda 132, Patiala 92, Barnala 91 and Ludhiana 71.

The scale of the surge was particularly significant given that nearly 92% of Punjab's paddy had already been harvested by November 8, according to reports. The narrowing window between harvesting, clearing fields and preparing land for wheat sowing has added to the pressure on farmers.

Farm fires decline sharply after Diwali

The daily count fell considerably the day after Diwali, with 198 fresh incidents reported, compared with 1,152 on the festival day. Ludhiana recorded the highest number of new fires at 33, followed by Ferozepur with 29, Fazilka with 22 and Sangrur with 20.

Muktsar reported 13 fresh incidents, while Patiala added 11 and Moga 10. The additional cases took Punjab's cumulative farm-fire count to 4,657.

Tarn Taran continued to lead the state's seasonal tally with 659 incidents, followed by Ferozepur at 621 and Sangrur at 508. Bathinda recorded 412 fires, Patiala 299, Amritsar 247 and Barnala 245.

With 5,114 farm fires recorded during the entire 2025 season, Punjab is on course to exceed last year's full-season figure before the current monitoring period concludes.

Enforcement measures yet to prevent burning

The latest figures have raised questions over the effectiveness of the state government's enforcement measures, which include warnings, penalties and action against farmers found burning crop residue.

CAQM data up to November 9 showed that 938 FIRs had been registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), while 1,150 red entries had been marked in land revenue records.

Environmental compensation was imposed in 1,442 cases. Authorities also issued 1,103 show-cause notices to enforcement officers and initiated 18 prosecutions. However, no suspensions or formal chargesheets had been processed.

The enforcement figures indicate that action has been taken across several districts, but the sharp Diwali spike has underlined the continuing difficulty of preventing farmers from burning paddy residue during the short period available to prepare fields for the next crop.

Air quality deteriorates across Punjab

The increase in farm fires coincided with a deterioration in air quality across Punjab. Pollution from Diwali firecrackers, combined with seasonal winter inversion, contributed to the accumulation of pollutants close to the ground.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) readings at 5 am on November 9 placed Mandi Gobindgarh in the very poor category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 399.

Other major cities also recorded elevated pollution levels. Ludhiana's AQI stood at 313, followed by Jalandhar at 298, Amritsar at 234 and Patiala at 210.

The seasonal transition in November often brings weaker and variable winds, particularly during the night and early morning. These conditions can restrict the dispersion of pollutants, worsening smog across the region.

The combination of farm fires, firecracker emissions and unfavourable weather conditions has therefore added to Punjab's air pollution concerns as the paddy harvesting season draws to a close.