Amritsar Engulfed: Over Half of Punjab's Field Fires Blaze in One District

A silent, choking crisis is unfolding across Punjab's fertile plains, and at its fiery heart lies Amritsar. Shocking new data reveals that the revered city and its surrounding areas are responsible for over 50% of all field fires detected across the state, painting a grim picture of agricultural practices clashing with environmental health.

According to figures released by the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), a staggering 12,190 fire incidents were recorded in Amritsar alone between September 1 and October 26 this year.

This alarming number accounts for more than half of the total 23,050 field fires reported across Punjab during the same period. While the overall number of incidents statewide saw a marginal decrease from last year's 23,178, Amritsar's disproportionate contribution remains a significant cause for concern, overshadowing any small improvements.

The scale of the problem becomes even clearer when examining the top five districts for stubble burning.

Following Amritsar's distressing lead are Tarn Taran, Patiala, Ferozepur, and Gurdaspur, collectively contributing to the widespread haze and pollution that blankets the region during this season. These districts, vital to Punjab's agricultural output, are now also central to its environmental challenge.

Farmers, often caught between economic realities and environmental mandates, voice their struggles.

Many claim they are left with no viable alternatives to burning stubble due to the high cost and unavailability of machinery for in-situ crop residue management. Without adequate financial incentives or readily accessible solutions, the path of least resistance often involves setting fields alight, a practice passed down through generations.

The Punjab government has been proactive in trying to curb this menace, offering subsidies and making machinery available for in-situ management.

However, the uptake has been slower than anticipated, indicating a gap between policy implementation and ground-level adoption. The challenge isn't just about providing equipment; it's about shifting entrenched agricultural practices and ensuring economic viability for farmers who choose sustainable methods.

The consequences of widespread stubble burning are dire and far-reaching.

Beyond the visible smog, the fires release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, leading to severe air quality degradation, respiratory illnesses, and a significant contribution to climate change. Moreover, the practice depletes soil fertility, reducing the long-term productivity of agricultural land—a vital resource for the state.

Authorities have responded with a mix of enforcement and awareness campaigns, registering First Information Reports (FIRs), issuing challans, and imposing environmental compensation on farmers found violating the ban.

Yet, these measures, while necessary, often feel like a band-aid solution to a deeply rooted socio-economic and environmental problem. The persistent challenge of stubble burning continues to demand a more comprehensive and collaborative approach, combining robust policy, technological innovation, and genuine support for the farming community.