CAQM Pushes Faster Ground Action on Stubble Burning Control

Chandigarh: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which oversees air quality in Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions, reviewed on Thursday the efforts of Punjab and Haryana to prevent farm fires and tighten oversight at the district level.

The Commission's Chairman, Rajesh Verma, held separate review meetings with senior officials of both states. The discussions centred on curbing paddy stubble burning and managing other significant causes of air pollution. He stressed that results must be delivered quickly on the ground.

For Punjab, the review looked at the availability of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines in districts and among farmers, along with how they were being deployed and used. Officials also examined operational shortfalls and the processes for collecting, transporting and using crop residue. In-situ and ex-situ approaches were part of the discussion.

The Commission observed that the crop residue management supply chain needs further strengthening. It also called for making sure machines are available and used efficiently during the harvest season, when stubble generation peaks.

Monitoring tools also came up for review. These included satellite-driven fire alerts to confirm burnt fields, drone surveillance, and inexpensive sensors to watch for stubble burning activity.

In Haryana, the review went beyond farm fires. Vehicle emissions, dust from roads and open spaces, dust from construction and demolition (C&D) sites, industrial emissions, and other relevant measures were examined. The state's action plan on stubble management, CRM machine use, residue supply chains, verification of burnt areas, and drone and sensor-based monitoring were also reviewed.

CAQM said stubble management should be seen as an opportunity to raise citizens' living standards and advance the circular economy, rather than merely a way to prevent burning. The Commission believes that using stubble more as a resource can help create a sturdy industrial network.

The Commission directed officials and district administrations in both states to take prompt, effective action. It warned that any carelessness leading to an increase in stubble burning would be taken seriously.