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Punjab Farm Fires Up Nearly 30% as Paddy Harvest Speeds Up
In brief
Punjab recorded 174 stubble-burning incidents between September 15 and October 13, compared with 134 in the same period last year, according to satellite data cited by the Economic Times. October 13 alone saw 51 fires, the highest daily count of the season so far, while rain this week has briefly cleaned Delhi’s air.
How many farm fires has Punjab seen this season? 174 up to October 13, an increase of nearly 30% on last year, based on the ICAR-IARI CREAMS satellite bulletin quoted by the Economic Times. Tarn Taran reported 21 fires and Amritsar 16 on October 13 alone.
Which districts are leading?
Amritsar has the highest season total with 77 incidents (65 a year earlier), followed by Tarn Taran with 61 (27 last year). Harvesting is still at an early stage: about 5 lakh hectares, or 16% of the 31.76 lakh hectares under paddy, had been cut by October 12, compared with 12% at the same point last year.
How much does stubble add to Delhi’s pollution?
The share varies a lot from year to year. The report cites the think tank CREA, which estimated that farm fires contributed about 7% of Delhi’s pollution in November 2025, down from about 20% in November 2024. The Commission for Air Quality Management has posted flying squads in 18 districts of Punjab and 16 of Haryana from October 1 to November 30.
What is Delhi’s air like right now?
India Today reported that showers improved Delhi’s AQI sharply this week, from around 280 to 66. Forecasters and officials expect the real test to come in late October and November, when harvesting peaks and winds weaken.
General news summary based on public reports. ViralScopeHub is not affiliated with any government, court or organisation named here and is not responsible for decisions readers make based on this summary. Check the linked sources for the latest updates.
Why it matters
Crop-residue fires in Punjab and Haryana are one of several sources of smoke that affect air quality across north India in late autumn.
People also ask
Why do farmers burn paddy stubble?
Burning is a quick and cheap way to clear fields between the rice harvest and wheat sowing, although it is restricted and alternatives such as machines and bio-decomposers are promoted.
When is Delhi’s air usually worst?
Usually from late October to December, when calm, cool weather traps pollution and stubble burning peaks.
Related free tools: Air Quality
Sources
- The Economic Times: Punjab records more stubble fires than last year as paddy harvesting gathers pace
- India Today: Delhi air quality gets rain relief in October
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