CAQM Reviews Stubble Burning Curbs in Punjab and Haryana

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), chaired by Rajesh Verma, held separate review meetings with the governments of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh on 22 October 2026. The Commission examined what the two states are doing to stop paddy stubble burning and to curb other major sources of air pollution, and asked for action on the ground without delay as the critical winter weeks approach.

The Punjab review

The meeting with Punjab turned on the State Action Plan drawn up under CAQM Direction No. 99 dated 15 May 2026. The Commission went through field enforcement, district-level preparedness and monitoring arrangements, and then through the supply of Crop Residue Management machinery down to the farmer, looking for gaps in how the machines are actually being used. Collection, transport and use of paddy straw through in-situ and ex-situ routes were taken up, with a call to strengthen the residue supply chain through the peak harvest. The Commission also reviewed field validation of burnt-area assessment against satellite fire alerts, district-wise deployment of drones and low-cost sensors, compliance with Direction No. 92 on the use of paddy straw pellets and briquettes in brick kilns, and progress on biomass co-firing targets at thermal power plants.

The Haryana review

With Haryana the agenda was wider. Besides stubble burning, it covered vehicular pollution, road and open-area dust, construction and demolition dust and industrial pollution. On vehicles the Commission reviewed the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems at fuel and CNG stations to enforce valid Pollution Under Control Certificates, action against end-of-life vehicles, cleaner mobility measures and the phasing out of diesel autorickshaws in the National Capital Region districts. Mechanised road sweeping and dust control at construction sites were also examined, along with compliance and enforcement at industrial units.

What the Commission asked for

• Time-bound implementation of State Action Plans with continuous field monitoring and close coordination between departments, district administrations and enforcement agencies.
• Greater facilitation of farmers with in-situ machinery and a stronger ex-situ mechanism for paddy straw.
• More effective delivery of information, education and communication plans on the ground.

The Commission said paddy straw should be treated as a resource and a basis for a circular economy, not merely as waste to be kept from burning, and cautioned district administrations that any slackness leading to a rise in fire counts would be viewed seriously. It added that only sustained and coordinated effort by the states and all agencies can prevent stubble burning and bring down pollution during winter.