Spring Fires in India Exceed Autumn Stubble Burning in Scale
Spring Fires in India Exceed Autumn Stubble Burning in Scale
IN · Published Sep 11, 2026
Recent data highlights that spring fires in India, occurring between March and May, burned 32.7 lakh hectares in 2025, nearly two-thirds of the total area burned that year.
This is significantly larger than the 15.1 lakh hectares burned during the October–November stubble burning season, which often dominates public discourse due to its impact on Delhi's air quality.

Impact & Risks

The spring fires, though larger in scale, receive less attention as their smoke does not directly affect Delhi. However, they contribute significantly to air pollution and environmental degradation. In Punjab, stubble burning is a key factor in seasonal air quality deterioration, while Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram face localised ecological impacts. The cumulative effect of these fires exacerbates climate change and poses health risks to nearby populations due to increased particulate matter in the air.

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