The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 01, 2026, notified the Non-Compliance with CAQM Directions Regarding Prevention and Control of Paddy Stubble Burning in Tarn Taran District, Punjab.
The following has been stated:
• CAQM has examined the response submitted by the Deputy Commissioner, Tarn Taran, Punjab, regarding non-compliance with Statutory Direction No. 99 dated May 13, 2026, concerning implementation of the Action Plan for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning. The Commission observed that the measures reported were not adequately supported by specific, quantitative, and verifiable evidence. Despite repeated directions and inspections, stubble-burning incidents continued to increase, with 797 incidents reported between September 11 and October 29, 2026, compared to 296 incidents during the corresponding period in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 169.3%.
• CAQM has directed the Deputy Commissioner to submit a detailed Action Taken Report within five days, covering compliance status, preventive measures, outcomes achieved, deficiencies identified and corrective actions, supported by relevant quantitative data and documentary evidence.
• The directions include intensified surveillance and enforcement, round-the-clock patrolling of hotspot villages, strengthening of biomass aggregation and supply-chain linkages, monitoring of biomass utilisation by brick kilns, deployment and maintenance of crop residue management machinery, and identification of responsible field officials. Continued deficiencies or failure to provide verifiable information may invite further action under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
[Notification No. - A-110014/10/2020/CAQM-SB-Vol.XI/198]
