The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on November 08, 2025, notifed regarding the actions taken by Haryana and Punjab to eliminate Stubble Burning during Paddy Harvest Season 2025.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma, conducted field visits in Punjab to assess the ground reality of crop residue management and the enforcement of anti-stubble burning measures. The team inspected several facilities, including the Rajpura and Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plants, and a Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant at Lehragaga, besides reviewing in-situ straw management activities. The Chairperson expressed concern over non-compliance with emission norms by the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plant, warning of possible closure if corrective steps were not taken.
During a review meeting with the Punjab Government on 7th November 2025, CAQM noted a decline in stubble burning cases—3,284 incidents between 15th September and 6th November 2025, compared to 5,041 last year, though some districts like Muktsar and Fazilka showed increases. The Commission found that only 3.12 lakh MT of crop residue pellets were co-fired in Punjab’s thermal power plants against a target of 11.83 lakh MT for 2025–26. It directed the State to intensify enforcement, ensure CRM machinery availability, support CBG plants, and take action against negligent officials.
CAQM also reviewed the situation in Haryana, which reported a significant drop in farm fire incidents—from 888 in 2024 to 206 in 2025—due to a proactive and incentive-based approach. The Commission highlighted the success of financial incentives promoting in-situ and ex-situ residue management and emphasized the need to sustain this behavioral change among farmers.
Further, the Commission reviewed other air pollution sources in Haryana, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, road dust, and municipal waste management, directing the State to strengthen measures for pollution control. It reiterated the need for enhanced coordination, strict enforcement, and effective implementation of action plans to achieve sustainable crop residue management and ensure clean air in the NCR and adjoining regions.
[Release ID: 2187847]
