Enforcement against farm fires in Punjab and Haryana has intensified, leading to a significant drop in stubble burning cases. According to Right to Information (RTI) data accessed from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the total number of farm fire incidents across the region fell by more than 50 per cent within a year.
Key Data Comparison (2024 vs. 2025)
The data reflects a sharp decline in both the number of incidents and the corresponding legal action taken:
| Metric | 2024 (Previous Year) | 2025 (Current Year) | Change |
| Total Incidents (Region) | 12,750 | 6,080 | 53% Drop |
| Total FIRs (Region) | 6,469 | 2,193 | 66% Drop |
| Incidents in Punjab | 5,802 | 1,963 | 66% Drop |
| Incidents in Haryana | 667 | 230 | 65% Drop |
The total number of farm fire incidents across the entire region (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) fell from 12,750 in 2024 to 6,080 in 2025.
Financial Penalties and Enforcement
The financial penalties imposed reflect the reduction in violations. Over the past two years, fines totalling around ₹68 crore have been imposed across Punjab and Haryana.
| State | Fine Imposed (2024) | Fine Imposed (2025) |
| Punjab | ₹21.80 crore | ₹12.58 crore |
| Haryana | ₹21.87 crore | ₹12.65 crore |
Impact on Delhi’s Air Quality
Incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana directly impact Delhi’s severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months. However, the sharp and consistent downward trend in farm fires has prompted several recent research studies to suggest that stubble burning is no longer the main culprit behind Delhi’s pollution spikes.