Overview
- PPCB logged 188 stubble-burning cases from September 15 to October 16 versus 1,212 in the same period last year, a trend echoed by IARI satellite detections.
- Delhi’s average AQI reached 245 (“poor”) on Thursday, with IITM Pune forecasting a shift to “very poor” around October 20–21.
- Punjab officials reported 115 FIRs, 59 red entries in land records, and Rs 4.6 lakh in penalties as part of ongoing enforcement.
- Authorities report broader uptake of crop residue management, including machinery subsidies of around 50% and Rs 1,200 per acre incentives for not burning.
- Farmers highlight delayed harvests, machine shortages, and uncollected straw bales despite promised CRM deliveries, warning of pressure as the main harvest accelerates.