Focus on air pollution, documentary on burning crop residue wins award

‘Beyond Stubble’, a documentary film exploring the issue of burning crop residue in Punjab, has won an award at the prestigious ‘Breath of Change’ CMS Vatavaran Short Film Competition.

The competition, focusing on air pollution, was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.

The award was handed to Dharmik Patel, the director of the film, by Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management at an event held recently in Delhi.

The documentary has been produced by Asar, a Bangalore-based development startup in collaboration with Clean Air Punjab, which is a network of organisations and individuals dedicated to promoting clean air and environmental sustainability across Punjab. The 13-minute film highlights the complex issue of stubble burning from the perspective of Punjab’s farmers.

Through real-life stories and on-the-ground conversations, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by the farming community while also showcasing practical, on-the-ground solutions that can reduce burning without compromising their livelihoods.

Patel, the director of the film, said he was extremely happy about the award, adding, “This award truly belongs to the farmers who shared their stories with us. ‘Beyond Stubble’ is a testament to the importance of listening to and learning from the people who work on land every day. Their experiences are keys to finding solutions that truly work.”

Sanam Wazir, Director of State Climate Action at Asar, added, “This film celebrates the voices of farmers and their crucial role in creating a cleaner future. ‘Beyond Stubble’ hopes to inspire more conversations around sustainable farming, strengthen peer-to-peer learning among farmers, and encourage collective action towards cleaner air and healthier futures for Punjab and beyond.”

The award for ‘Beyond Stubble’ underscores the power of storytelling in raising awareness about stubble burning and the need for collaborative solutions. It is both a victory for the filmmakers and a tribute to the resilience and knowledge of Punjab’s farming community.