Zillar Barta Desk,Chabbal : As the paddy harvesting season gets underway, farmers in Chabbal village have reportedly resorted to burning crop residue in their fields, raising concerns over smoke and deteriorating air quality in the area.
The practice of stubble burning typically increases during the harvest season, when farmers face a narrow window between harvesting paddy and preparing their fields for the next crop. Burning the leftover straw provides a quick way to clear agricultural land, but it also releases smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere.
The issue has once again drawn attention in Punjab, where authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent farm fires. According to recent reports, 59 stubble-burning incidents were recorded in the state during the early phase of the current harvesting season, with Amritsar and Tarn Taran among the districts reporting the highest numbers.
The smoke generated by burning crop residue can affect visibility and contribute to poor air quality, while prolonged exposure to the pollutants can pose risks to public health. The issue is also closely watched because farm fires across Punjab and neighbouring states are associated with worsening air pollution in northern India during the post-monsoon period.
Authorities have stepped up monitoring this year. The Commission for Air Quality Management has deployed flying squads across 34 districts in Punjab and Haryana for the period from October 1 to November 30. The teams have been tasked with assessing ground conditions, coordinating with farmers and local authorities, and taking preventive action against stubble burning.
Farmers, however, have repeatedly pointed to practical difficulties in managing crop residue. The short gap between the paddy harvest and the sowing of the next crop can make residue management difficult, particularly when suitable machinery is unavailable or costly.
With harvesting activity expected to increase in the coming weeks, the situation in and around Chabbal village is likely to remain under close observation. Officials and environmental agencies are urging farmers to adopt alternative crop-residue management methods instead of setting fields on fire.
The latest incidents highlight the continuing challenge of balancing farmers' need for quick field preparation with efforts to control air pollution during the crucial harvest season.
