Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda has strongly rebutted claims linking Delhi’s rising air pollution to stubble burning in Punjab. Speaking out with concrete figures, Dhanda highlighted how incidents of crop residue burning in Punjab have declined sharply year after year, exposing gaps in the Delhi government’s narrative.
Stubble Burning Cases in Punjab Drop Significantly
According to Dhanda, from September 15 to October 21:
- 2022: 3,114 incidents
- 2023: 1,764 incidents
- 2024: 1,510 incidents
- 2025: Only 415 incidents
“These numbers show that while Delhi is facing high pollution levels this year, Punjab’s stubble burning cases have reduced dramatically,” Dhanda said. He emphasized that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has taken proactive steps to curb stubble burning, including strict law enforcement and widespread awareness campaigns for farmers.
Measures Taken by Punjab Government
Under the current AAP government, farmers are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives:
- Provision of decomposers to turn stubble into organic manure, benefiting crop health.
- Punjab Police patrols to monitor fields and educate farmers about the environmental impact of burning residue.
- Law enforcement ensures timely action against illegal burning, deterring violations before they occur.
Dhanda also called out the Delhi government, asserting that shifting blame to Punjab farmers for the capital’s pollution is misleading. By sharing data publicly, he sought to clarify the situation and redirect focus on local sources of pollution within Delhi.
Summary
- Claim rebuttal: Delhi’s rising pollution not directly linked to Punjab stubble burning.
- Data evidence: Stubble burning incidents dropped from 3,114 in 2022 to 415 in 2025.
- Government action: Punjab provides decomposers, enforces laws, and conducts farmer awareness programs.
- Political context: Dhanda’s statements highlight AAP’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based policy discussions.
This confrontation underscores the ongoing debate between Punjab and Delhi authorities regarding air quality management and the measures needed to tackle pollution effectively.
