Punjab sees over 4,000 farm fires since mid-September
Punjab has seen over 4,000 farm fires since mid-September, with Moga and the Malwa region topping the charts just this Sunday.
Sangrur, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur are also seeing high numbers.
While this is less than last year, some districts like Fazilka and Muktsar are actually reporting more fires than before.
Why are there so many fires?
The main reason for the spike: delayed paddy harvesting after October rains left farmers with barely any time to clear fields before wheat sowing—so many turned to burning stubble fast.
Most of the harvest is done now, so a further rise in fires is expected as farmers rush to clear fields.
Still, Punjab will keep a close watch on farm fires until November 30 because stubble burning keeps adding to air pollution—a problem that affects everyone who breathes here.