Stubble-burning area in key Punjab districts 20% lower than last year, reveals satellite data, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Stubble burning area in Amritsar, Taran Taran, and Ferozpur districts of Punjab is reportedly 20% lower than last year [October 2024].
• Satellite data indicates 2.46 lakh hectares burnt between October 13-28, 2025, in the mentioned districts, compared to 3.15 lakh hectares in the same period last year.
• Punjab government shares daily fire count data but does not disclose the burnt area.

Detailed Insights:

• The first half of November is historically the peak period for farm fires in Punjab, and a surge in burnt area is possible.
• In 2023, the area burnt in Punjab increased to 19.1 lakh hectares compared to 15.4 lakh hectares in 2022, despite claims of reduction based on fire counts.
• Delayed satellite imagery this year due to heavy rain and flooding in September 2025 contributed to a delayed harvest.
• The link between fire counts and burnt area is significant for an accurate picture of efforts to curb farm fires, which have contributed up to 35% of Delhi's daily winter pollution load.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Stubble Burning: The practice of setting fire to crop residue after harvest.
• Satellite Imagery: Use of satellite data to monitor and assess ground conditions.
• Pollution Load: The amount of pollutants released into the environment.