Punjab Farmers To Protest Against Stubble Burning Cases As Air Quality Turns Hazardous In Delhi

Delhi is grappling with severe air quality issues, largely attributed to the smoke emanating from the stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring states including Punjab , Haryana and UP. As the national capital continues to choke, the focus has turned to Punjab amid rising tensions over stubble burning. Farmers in Punjab are planning protests this Saturday in response to penalties related to stubble burning and delays in paddy procurement.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, a key farmer leader, announced blockades in several cities including Batala, Phagwara, Sangrur, and Moga, aiming to highlight what they see as harsh government measures. With 1,510 stubble burning incidents reported in Punjab alone, farmers face legal repercussions, including 1,228 FIRs and significant environmental fines totaling Rs 13.25 lakh. 

As the air quality continues to turn hazardous in Delhi-NCR, both the Punjab and Haryana governments are increasing enforcement efforts. Punjab Police are investigating over 1,500 cases of stubble burning, while community outreach initiatives aim to encourage farmers to adopt alternative practices. In Haryana, Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana emphasized that systemic pressures often force farmers to burn stubble, advocating for collaborative solutions rather than punitive actions.

As protests ramp up, farm unions associated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha are calling for demonstrations on major highways, criticizing the slow pace of government procurement and issues with the Direct Account Payment (DAPA) system.