11.5 per cent decline in stubble burning incidents across six North Indian states

According to satellite-based data from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), a decline has been observed in stubble burning incidents across six North Indian states. During the stubble burning season that commenced on 15 September, a total of 9,590 incidents were recorded in these six states, which is 11.5 per cent lower than the 10,832 incidents recorded during the same period last year.

Between 15 September and 10 November, Punjab recorded the highest number of incidents at 5,002, accounting for the largest share. This was followed by 2,145 in Madhya Pradesh, 1,335 in Rajasthan, 689 in Uttar Pradesh, 213 in Uttarakhand, and 206 in Haryana. In comparison with the same period last year, 4,195 incidents were recorded in Punjab, 2,517 in Madhya Pradesh, 1,902 in Uttar Pradesh, 1,385 in Rajasthan, 470 in Uttarakhand, and 363 in Haryana.

There has been a continuous decline in stubble burning incidents across the six states. There were 46,399 incidents between 15 September and 10 November in 2022, which decreased to 36,415 in 2023, 17,314 in 2024, 10,832 in 2025, and 9,590 in 2026.

These incidents contribute significantly to Delhi's pollution. While the share of these incidents in Delhi's annual pollution is approximately 2.25 per cent, this share increases to between 12 and 40 per cent during the winter stubble burning season. The National Capital Region (NCR) faces poor air quality issues throughout the year, which worsens between November and February as slow winds trap pollutants in the area for longer durations.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the worst daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) for 2026 was recorded in Delhi on 6 November at 382. On the day of Diwali, 8 November, the average AQI was 376, making it the most polluted Diwali in five years. On Wednesday evening at 4.05 pm, the city's AQI was 313, which falls in the poor category.

According to a Mint report by Surendra Kumar Dhaka, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, the actual numbers may be much higher than the reported figures. He stated that when the sky is covered with smoke, satellite monitoring may fail to detect stubble burning incidents. Depending on weather conditions, the share of stubble burning in Delhi's air pollution could be up to 40 per cent this year. He emphasised the need for strict enforcement of current regulations and robust ground-level monitoring.

Umendra Dutt, Executive Director of the Agricultural Heritage Mission, says there is a need to change behaviour among farmers. He suggested that awareness efforts should not be limited to just two months, but the government should undertake year-round activities to educate farmers and encourage the adoption of alternative methods.

According to a policy paper published by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, it is necessary to focus on three aspects to prevent stubble burning: avoidance, awareness, and acceptance. A sustainable strategy should include crop diversification, where some areas of paddy are shifted towards maize and provided with economic incentives.