The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on October 22, 2026, has reviewed Stubble Burning Prevention and Air Pollution Control Measures in Punjab and Haryana
The following has been stated:
• The CAQM, under the chairmanship of Rajesh Verma, reviewed air pollution control measures with the Governments of Punjab and Haryana, focusing on paddy stubble burning and other major pollution sources. In Punjab, the review covered implementation of the State Action Plan under CAQM Direction No. 99 dated May 15, 2026, deployment of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery, paddy straw collection and utilization, satellite-based fire alerts, drones and low-cost sensors for monitoring burning incidents, compliance with Direction No. 92 on the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets/briquettes in brick kilns, and biomass co-firing targets in thermal power plants.
• In Haryana, the review additionally covered vehicular pollution, ANPR systems at fuel and CNG stations for checking valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs), end-of-life vehicles, cleaner mobility, phasing out diesel-operated auto rickshaws in NCR districts, road and construction dust, and industrial emissions.
• CAQM directed both states to strengthen field-level enforcement, facilitate access to in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management, improve public awareness and IEC activities, address implementation gaps, and ensure time-bound action through coordination among state departments and district administrations. The Commission emphasised that paddy straw should be utilised as a resource to promote a circular economy and warned that laxity leading to increased stubble-burning incidents would be viewed seriously.
