CAQM Urges Punjab to Accelerate Stubble Burning Prevention While Praising Haryana's Significant Progress

The Air Quality Body team identified isolated stubble burning incidents during their inspection. (File)

New Delhi:

On Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) called for immediate coordinated efforts from Punjab to address stubble burning incidents. Meanwhile, the commission noted that Haryana has achieved a substantial reduction in farm fires during the current paddy harvesting season.

During field inspections in Punjab, CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma expressed grave concerns regarding the substandard conditions and emission standards violations at the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plant in Bathinda.

The commission indicated it might issue closure orders if prompt remedial actions aren't implemented.

The inspection team also observed sporadic stubble burning incidents in the vicinity.

In a comprehensive review meeting with Punjab government officials on November 7, the commission highlighted that the state recorded 3,284 stubble burning incidents between September 15 and November 6 this year, compared to 5,041 cases during the equivalent period in 2024, demonstrating only slight improvement.

The commission pointed out that certain districts, particularly Muktsar and Fazilka, showed increased fire incidents, necessitating swift intervention measures.

Additionally, CAQM reported that four thermal power plants in Punjab have only co-fired 3.12 lakh metric tonnes of crop residue pellets until September, against a target of 11.83 lakh metric tonnes for 2025-26.

The commission instructed the state to enhance crop residue management initiatives, ensure timely machinery availability, and provide support for compressed biogas facilities.

Stressing stronger enforcement mechanisms and accountability, the commission directed Punjab to amplify awareness campaigns and implement strict measures against officials in areas with higher farm fire incidences.

In its assessment of Haryana's performance, the commission noted the state demonstrated a significant decrease in farm fires, with 206 incidents recorded between September 15 and November 6, compared to 888 during the same timeframe last year.

The CAQM attributed Haryana's success to proactive enforcement strategies, incentive-based programs, and behavioral changes among farmers toward both in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management approaches.

The commission also examined other major pollution contributors in Haryana, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and municipal waste management practices.

It mandated strict implementation of action plans and regulatory directives to improve air quality across the region.