Punjab’s paddy stubble burning season has begun, raising fears of another smog-choked winter in Delhi. Satellite data has already picked up early farm fires, and officials are racing to keep the count down.

Every October and November, farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn leftover paddy straw to clear fields quickly for wheat. The smoke drifts towards Delhi, where it mixes with vehicle and construction dust to form a toxic haze. Last year, the capital’s air quality index touched severe levels for days.

The Punjab government says it has distributed thousands of machines that let farmers manage stubble without burning. Fines have been announced for violators, and teams are monitoring villages. But farm groups say the machines are costly and slow.

Delhi has rolled out its winter action plan, including dust control and traffic measures. Experts say the next six weeks will decide how bad this winter gets. Residents are hoping for strong winds to carry the smoke away.