CAQM unveils 19-point plan to stamp out stubble burning in Delhi-NCR

Environment and Ecology Air Pollution

12-May-25

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Context

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas announced a 19-step directive for state governments to eliminate stubble burning.

About

The comprehensive plan outlined here represents one of the most robust multi-tiered efforts to curb stubble burning and its associated air pollution across Punjab, Haryana, and NCR Uttar Pradesh.
The approach integrates administrative accountability, technological innovation, farmer engagement, and legal enforcement.

Key Measures in the CAQM Plan

Farm-Level Mapping & Nodal Officers: Every farm will be mapped to track stubble management strategies.
- One nodal officer will oversee every 50 farmers to ensure localized monitoring.
Stubble Management Options:
- In-situ: Mulching, use of bio-decomposers.
- Ex-situ: Baling, storage, and transportation to power plants, packaging industries, brick kilns.
- Crop diversification: Reducing reliance on paddy to lower residue generation.
Infrastructure & Logistics: Conduct gap analysis of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery.
- Plan storage for baled straw to prevent fire loss.
- Create district-level supply chains for straw transport and utilization.
Enforcement & Monitoring: Supreme Court-directed formation of state-level committees headed by Chief Secretaries.
- Monthly compliance reports starting June 1, 2025.
- Launch of an online real-time reporting platform for crop residue data.
Pilot Project: A common boiler run on paddy straw will be tested in an industrial estate to supply steam—an ex-situ utilization model.
Enforcement Force: A Parali Protection Force at district and block levels.
- Involvement of police, agriculture, and administrative officers.
- Enhanced evening patrols and citizen-reporting mechanisms.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Ensure red entries and impose fines on violating farmers.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
– Formalized through the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
– Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh — especially areas contributing to air pollution in the NCR.
– CAQM is meant to provide an integrated and permanent mechanism for:
1. Coordinated response to air pollution.
2. Ensuring synergy across different ministries and states.
3. Replacing the fragmented approach that involved multiple agencies with overlapping responsibilities.

Conclusion

The CAQM’s plan is a comprehensive, enforcement-backed strategy to curb stubble burning by mapping farms, promoting in-situ and ex-situ solutions, strengthening supply chains, and introducing strict monitoring through nodal officers and a dedicated enforcement force.
With real-time tracking, monthly reporting, and legal oversight, it aims to provide a lasting solution to the recurring air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR.

Source: IE

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