The Punjab government is launching an aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to tackle stubble burning in the upcoming harvest season, aiming for a significant reduction in farm fires. This initiative involves technology-driven solutions, stricter enforcement, and collaborative efforts between various departments and community participation.
A key element of the strategy is the categorization of villages based on past instances of stubble burning. Villages will be classified into high-risk (more than 30 incidents), moderate-risk (10 to 30 incidents), and low-risk (1 to 10 incidents) categories. This classification will enable district administrations to develop targeted interventions and allocate resources effectively. All field-level tasks, including village identification, risk mapping, and strategy formulation, are to be completed by August 1, 2025.
Leveraging technology, the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), in collaboration with ISRO, will use satellite imagery to detect active fire locations. Upon detection, field personnel will be notified via SMS, including GPS coordinates and Google Maps links to facilitate rapid response. To ensure accountability, cases reported as "no crop burning found" must be personally verified by senior officers, and dismissal of satellite alerts requires geo-tagged evidence, GPS data, and signed verification reports.
The government will enforce strict penalties for stubble burning. Farmers found engaging in the practice will face tiered fines: ₹5,000 for each incident on less than 2 acres, ₹10,000 per incident for 2 to 5 acres, and ₹30,000 per incident for farmers having more than 5 acres. A strict timeline will be followed for enforcement, including detection to field verification within 48 hours, penalty issuance within 7 working days, and fine recovery within 15 days. Repeat offenders or those who fail to pay fines may face legal action.
Inter-departmental coordination is a crucial aspect of the new strategy. Joint planning sessions involving deputy commissioners, chief agriculture officers, and other key stakeholders are mandated. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) will monitor and report incidents, and PPCB officials will receive training in interpreting satellite data and enforcing penalties. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy, supported by real-time monitoring and community participation.
To support farmers in adopting alternative practices, the Punjab government has launched a Rs 500-crore action plan to promote in-situ crop residue management (CRM). This plan offers subsidies for the purchase of CRM machinery, such as Happy Seeders, Super Seeders, and Zero Till Drills. Individual farmers can receive a 50 percent subsidy, while farmer groups, cooperative societies, and Gram Panchayats can receive up to 80 percent.
In addition to in-situ management, the government is also promoting ex-situ solutions. The CAQM has directed brick kilns in non-NCR districts of Punjab and Haryana to co-fire paddy straw-based biomass pellets or briquettes, creating a market for crop waste and reducing the need for open burning. The phased adoption plan targets a minimum of 20% paddy straw-based fuel usage by November 2025, scaling up to 50% by November 2028.
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the CAQM has directed State Pollution Control Boards to encourage citizens to report stubble burning incidents via social media. This will enhance community vigilance and support enforcement efforts. The state is also forming a dedicated "Parali (residue) Protection Force" comprising police, agriculture, and administrative officers to intensify patrolling and counter farmers' attempts to burn stubble.
By combining technology, strict enforcement, financial incentives, and community participation, Punjab aims to make significant strides in curbing stubble burning and improving air quality during the upcoming harvest season.
