The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has raised concerns about the harmful effects of paddy stubble burning on air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). This practice, common during the harvest season, leads to a severe increase in air pollution, especially affecting areas like Delhi and neighboring states. Over the years, the CAQM has been working closely with state governments, pollution control boards, and other stakeholders to put an end to this practice.
Efforts to Prevent Stubble Burning
After reviewing the situation from previous years (2021, 2022, and 2023), the CAQM updated its action plans for 2024. These plans are focused on the states of Punjab, Haryana, and the NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh. The goal is to eliminate stubble burning and reduce the negative impact it has on the environment and public health. Despite these efforts, a total of 267 stubble burning incidents were reported in Punjab, and 187 incidents in Haryana between September 15 and October 9, 2024.
Stronger Measures for Enforcement
Given the ongoing issue, the CAQM has taken stricter steps to ensure the action plans are enforced at the ground level. The Commission has empowered District Collectors, Deputy Commissioners, and District Magistrates in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan (NCR areas), Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi to take legal action. These officials can now file complaints against officers responsible for controlling stubble burning, including nodal officers and supervisory officers who fail to take necessary steps.
The CAQM has asked state governments and district administrations to take greater responsibility and keep a close watch on any further instances of paddy stubble burning. They have been instructed to act immediately to prevent any rise in pollution levels during the harvesting season.
Deployment of Central Teams and Management Cell
To ensure better monitoring, the CAQM has sent 26 Central teams to districts in Punjab and Haryana that have been identified as hotspots for stubble burning. These teams are working closely with local authorities to make sure that all available resources are being used effectively for managing stubble, whether through in situ (on-site) or ex situ (off-site) methods.
Additionally, a Paddy Stubble Management Cell has been set up in Chandigarh. This cell is responsible for keeping track of actions being taken at the ground level and ensuring proper coordination between the various stakeholders involved in stopping stubble burning. Continuous monitoring of the situation will help ensure that the action plans are being properly implemented.
Reducing Air Pollution in NCR
The CAQM is committed to reducing air pollution caused by stubble burning, a major contributor to poor air quality in the NCR. By empowering local authorities, deploying central teams, and setting up monitoring cells, the commission is ensuring that all efforts are made to bring this harmful practice to an end.
The focus for 2024 is to make sure that farmers adopt alternative methods for managing paddy stubble. With stricter enforcement and better use of resources, the CAQM hopes to see a significant reduction in the number of stubble burning incidents this year.
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