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A new conversation is needed on stubble burning

In a climate of ecological and economic uncertainty for farmers, punitive measures alone will not lead to tangible behavioural change

Studies by ISRO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and iFOREST indicate that peak stubble burning has shifted from early afternoon to late afternoon and evening.

3 min read Nov 6, 2026 06:10 AM IST First published on: Nov 6, 2026 at 06:10 AM IST

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has cracked down on stubble burning in Punjab , a day after Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa blamed farm fires in the state for the recent spike in the Capital’s air pollution. After issuing show-cause notices to deputy commissioners and senior police officers in nine districts, the Commission has warned officials in 12 districts of personal accountability for enforcement lapses. Crop-residue burning is illegal, with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000.…