NGT indicates local officials, sand mafia may be working together in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh leads the nation in farm fires, with 354 incidents between September 15 and October 17, nearly double the number from the same period last year. Punjab follows in second place with 220 fires, the majority originating from Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana rank third and fourth, respectively, with 134 and 8 fires, while Uttarakhand recorded only 24 farm fires.

This trend of increasing stubble burning in Madhya Pradesh is evident, with 187 incidents in 2025 and 262 in 2024. Punjab's count of 220 fires is slightly higher than the 208 incidents in 2024 but significantly lower than the 1289 recorded in 2023. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued notices to the deputy commissioners of Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts by October 21, demanding a response to improve air quality management.