Delhi’s Toxic Air: Punjab Records 1,612 Farm Fires, Pakistan’s Punjab Reports Over 13,000

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is back in focus as stubble burning picks up across Punjab. As of November 2, Punjab had recorded 1,612 farm fires, while Pakistan’s Punjab reported 13,241 fires, with hotspots concentrated in districts around Lahore. On the ground, small and marginal farmers say the lack of financial assistance, subsidies and affordable alternatives leaves them with limited options to manage crop residue. Farmer representatives argue that the farming community is being blamed disproportionately for Delhi’s pollution. However, the longer-term numbers tell another story. Punjab has recorded a sharp decline in farm fires, falling from around 83,000 in 2020 to 5,114 in 2025 — a reduction of roughly 94%.