The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on May 15, 2026, issued direction on implementation of the Action Plan for prevention and control of Paddy Stubble Burning in 2026, targeting complete elimination.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas has been constituted under the relevant Act to take necessary measures and issue directions for protecting and improving air quality. It is empowered to issue binding directions to any person, authority, or officer. One of the major concerns addressed by the Commission is paddy stubble burning, which significantly impacts air quality in the NCR. The Commission has been actively engaging with key stakeholders, including State Governments and pollution control authorities, and has provided a framework for states to develop annual action plans to eliminate stubble burning.
Over the years, states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been formulating and updating their action plans based on the Commission’s framework, advisories, and monitoring protocols (including satellite-based tracking by ISRO). The Hon’ble Supreme Court has also intervened, directing these states to constitute monitoring committees and submit monthly reports, while allowing the Commission to seek further directions if required. For 2026, updated action plans have been prepared with the objective of completely eliminating stubble burning.
The Commission has now issued statutory directions to ensure strict implementation of these action plans. Key measures include farm-level mapping for residue management, deployment of nodal officers, strengthening machinery availability through Custom Hiring Centres, promoting in-situ and ex-situ management, establishing supply chains and storage systems, and leveraging IT tools for real-time monitoring. Enforcement mechanisms such as dedicated “Parali Protection Force,” intensified patrolling, penalties, and public reporting mechanisms have also been mandated, along with awareness campaigns for farmers.
Additionally, Delhi and Rajasthan have been advised to take all possible steps to prevent stubble burning. The states are required to report progress on preparatory actions and implementation status to the Commission on a monthly basis to ensure accountability and effective execution of the measures.
[Direction No. 99]
