Thu Nov 21 20:05:11 UTC 2024: ## Government Agency Concealed Rise in Punjab and Haryana Stubble Burning, Documents Reveal

**New Delhi, November 22, 2024** – The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas is accused of concealing a significant increase in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, despite possessing data indicating a rise in burnt paddy fields. Documents obtained by *The Hindu* and sources within the government reveal that while the CAQM reported a decrease in stubble burning incidents to the Supreme Court, independent data from the Punjab government and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) show a substantial increase in the actual area of burnt paddy fields in 2023 compared to previous years.

Punjab’s burnt area rose by 24% (from 15.4 lakh hectares to 19.1 lakh hectares), according to state government figures. IARI data showed a 15.03% increase in Punjab (21.03 lakh hectares to 24.2 lakh hectares) and a staggering 137% increase in Haryana (3.5 lakh hectares to 8.3 lakh hectares) from 2021 to 2023. These increases sharply contrast with the CAQM’s claims to the Supreme Court of a 26.5% decrease in Punjab and 67% decrease in Haryana (compared to 2022 and 2021 respectively).

The discrepancy is attributed to farmers exploiting the timing of satellite passes used for monitoring. Minutes from a CAQM meeting revealed that farmers were informed of satellite pass times, allowing them to burn stubble undetected during the gaps. Despite this knowledge, the CAQM omitted this information from seven affidavits submitted to the Supreme Court.

The CAQM acknowledged the inconsistencies in data collection methodologies between agencies in January 2024 and requested a standardized protocol from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). However, the CAQM has yet to publicly release the conflicting data or the findings from the subsequent meeting in March 2024 which highlighted the farmers’ awareness of satellite monitoring schedules.

The CAQM did not respond to requests for comment. This revelation raises serious questions about the accuracy of the official figures and the transparency of the CAQM’s reporting on stubble burning, a significant contributor to Delhi’s air pollution.

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