Haryana farm fires hit five-year high

Haryana has witnessed a sharp rise in farm fire incidents this rabi harvesting season, with 344 fresh cases reported on Sunday, taking the total to 2,529 so far. On Saturday alone, the state recorded 476 cases — the highest single-day figure of the season. In just two days, Haryana has seen 820 farm fires, underscoring growing concerns over stubble burning.According to official data, this season has already surpassed the figures of the past five years. Between April 1 and May 3 last year, Haryana recorded 681 cases, compared with 594 in 2024, 316 in 2023, and 2,328 in 2022.This season, Jind has reported the highest number of cases at 429, followed by Rohtak (376), Jhajjar (274), Sonepat (214), Kaithal (196), Karnal (172), Sirsa (140), Panipat (132), Fatehabad (132), Hansi (107), Bhiwani (72), Ambala (55), Kurukshetra (49), Hisar (43), Palwal (38), Charkhi Dadri (23), Faridabad (22), Gurugram (21), Yamunanagar (12), Nuh (11), Panchkula (6), and Rewari (5).Agricultural officials maintain that many of these fires are accidental, spreading rapidly due to prevailing heatwaves, extreme summer conditions, and high wind velocity. They emphasise that most farmers prefer to use stubble as fodder for livestock rather than burning it. However, they acknowledge that some farmers continue to set fields ablaze after stubble management, risking damage to neighbouring crops.The authorities claimed that on the directions of the state government flying squads, and monitoring teams have been constituted for both prevention and monitoring of farm fires.Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA), said strict enforcement measures are being implemented as per the directions of the state government and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Farmers found burning stubble face fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000. In addition, red entries are marked against violators’ land on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, preventing them from selling crops at MSP in grain markets.Alongside enforcement, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has formed teams at district level, coordinating with other departments to check farm fires and to engage with farmers on stubble management.Dr Singh appealed to farmers to adopt eco-friendly stubble management practices, which not only prevent pollution but also allow stubble to be effectively used as fodder.

Haryana farm fires hit five-year high

Jind tops districts, over 2,500 cases reported to date

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Haryana farm fires hit five-year high

Jind tops districts, over 2,500 cases reported to date

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article