Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued fresh directions to Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to prevent stubble burning, one of the primary causes of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. These directions follow the Supreme Court’s April 2025 order in the case M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India, which directed the formation of state-level monitoring committees to submit monthly reports to CAQM starting June 2025.
Key Directives Issued by CAQM
Farm Mapping in All Villages: Each farm in Punjab, Haryana, and UP must be mapped to decide suitable stubble management methods such as:
- In-situ management (e.g., mulching).
- Use as fodder.
- Crop diversification.
Formation of ‘Parali Protection Force’:
- A dedicated force at the district and block level will comprise police, agricultural, and civic officers to monitor and prevent stubble burning incidents.
Intensified Patrolling:
- Special patrolling during late evening hours, when farmers often burn stubble to avoid satellite detection.
- Penalties include environmental compensation and “Red Entries” in farm records.
Nodal Officer Assignment:
- Each group of 50 farmers per district assigned a nodal officer for real-time monitoring and assistance.
Review of Crop Residue Management (CRM) Machinery:
- Outdated and non-functional machines must be discarded.
- Fresh gap analysis to assess requirements.
- Procurement plan for new CRM machines by August 2025.
- Rent-free CRM equipment to be provided to small and marginal farmers via custom hiring centres.
Paddy Straw Usage in Brick Kilns:
- Mandatory use of paddy straw pellets/briquettes for co-firing in brick kilns, similar to its use in thermal power plants.
Common Procurement Rate:
- Punjab and UP must determine a common rate for paddy straw procurement, following Haryana’s model.
Promotion of Ex-Situ Management:
- Efficient use of balers, rakers, and other equipment.
- Equipment deployment based on harvest patterns.
- Identification of Panchayat/government land for straw bale storage.
Paddy Straw Supply Chain Development:
- Set up a district-level supply chain for collection, storage, and end-use (e.g., bioenergy, composting).
Real-Time Monitoring via Online Platform:
- A robust digital platform for real-time reporting on generation and utilization of paddy residue.
About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
| Particulars | Details |
| Establishment | Under Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 |
| Mandate | Coordination, monitoring, and resolution of air quality issues in Delhi-NCR and adjoining states |
| Jurisdiction | Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Key Powers | Issue binding directionsRestrict air-polluting activitiesConduct research and monitoringCoordinate with state and central authorities |
| Accountability | Directly accountable to Parliament of India |
| Composition | Chairperson (Secretary/Chief Secretary rank)5 ex-officio state members3 full-time technical members3 NGO membersExperts from CPCB, ISRO, NITI Aayog |
Significance
- Delhi-NCR’s air quality is severely impacted during winter months due to stubble burning in adjoining states.
- These measures aim to reduce air pollution, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure effective enforcement and monitoring.