Punjab has recorded more stubble-burning incidents this year than during the corresponding period in 2025, with satellite monitoring detecting 174 farm fire events between September 15 and October 13, compared with 134 a year earlier. The latest figures indicate a rise in crop-residue burning as paddy harvesting gathers pace across the state. A total of 51 farm fire events were detected on October 13 alone, marking the highest daily count in Punjab during the 2026 monitoring period covered by the latest bulletin from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s CREAMS Lab. The increase has renewed concerns over seasonal air pollution, particularly as Delhi and neighbouring areas prepare for the winter months, when weather conditions can trap pollutants close to the ground.
