Delhi Pollution: Punjab Farm Fires Spike On Diwali; BJP-AAP Trade Charges Over Delhi Pollution

Delhi faced a double pollution challenge around Diwali, with firecracker emissions coinciding with a sharp rise in farm fires in neighbouring Punjab. The state recorded 1,152 farm fire incidents in a single day, taking its cumulative count this year to 4,459. The spike has triggered a political blame game, with BJP leaders linking Punjab's stubble burning to Delhi's pollution. Punjab's police chief, however, has claimed a sharp reduction in farm fires, citing enforcement measures such as the Parali Protection Force. Punjab ministers have pushed back against the allegations. With farmers facing a narrow window to prepare their fields for the next sowing season, the debate once again raises questions about enforcement, incentives and compensation to tackle stubble burning.