(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is ramping up efforts to tackle paddy stubble burning, a major cause of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). On September 25 and 26, CAQM held key review meetings with top officials from Punjab and Haryana to gear up for the 2025 paddy harvesting season.
Senior leaders, including District Magistrates, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police from 23 districts in Punjab and 22 in Haryana, joined the sessions. The talks centered on following CAQM’s Directions 90 and 92, which push for smart in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management (CRM) to wipe out stubble burning in high-risk hotspot districts.
To keep a close eye on progress, CAQM plans to send Flying Squad teams into these hotspot areas for on-the-ground checks. Punjab and Haryana governments must support these teams by sharing real-time updates and easing their work in local administrations.
A new CAQM Cell at Kheti Bhawan in Mohali, Punjab, will track stubble management and pollution hotspots, boosting coordination between the two states. CAQM stressed the need for tight teamwork with this cell to speed up actions and maintain constant vigilance.
Both states shared updates on their 2025 Action Plans during detailed presentations. After in-depth discussions, CAQM’s Chairperson outlined clear steps to fight stubble burning and promote better farming practices:
– Spot and fix gaps in on-farm (in-situ) management, like ensuring enough CRM machines are available. Strengthen supply chains for off-farm (ex-situ) uses to handle all surplus paddy residue.
– Create a statewide plan for moving balers between districts, especially neighbors. Governments should deliver balers and other CRM tools on time, matching the harvest schedule.
– Boost monitoring with the Parali Protection Force, including more evening patrols by officers to catch and stop burning incidents right away.
– Tackle challenges like pest-affected fields (such as dwarfism and yellow rust in paddy) and waterlogged areas by developing quick action plans to prevent farmers from turning to burning.
– Push harder for biomass co-firing in thermal power plants to hit the 5% target and encourage using paddy straw for electricity generation.
– Work hand-in-hand with the CAQM Cell for live tracking and year-round residue handling.
For Haryana specifically, officials must review CRM machinery shortages and request more equipment as needed. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will hold separate meetings with districts to build strong supply chains and detailed local plans. States also need to set up safe storage for straw bales, train farmers on fire prevention, and offer insurance to growers and collectors.
CAQM made it clear: Farmers who burn stubble won’t get any government incentives and could face penalties. Beyond fields, states must educate urban local bodies and districts about banning open burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass, in line with Direction 91.
CAQM praised the steps Punjab and Haryana have taken so far but drove home the point—zero stubble burning next season is a must. District teams should mix rewards with tough enforcement under the law. The goal? Build a self-sustaining system that truly helps farmers while cleaning up NCR’s air.
CAQM will keep holding regular, thorough reviews to track progress and enforce these plans. The commission urges farmers, citizens, and all partners to team up with government agencies for fresher air across NCR and nearby areas.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
