Flying Squads and Field Monitoring
To strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, CAQM announced the deployment of Flying Squad teams across hotspot districts in both States. These squads will monitor field-level progress and coordinate with district administrations, ensuring timely updates and facilitating quick action against stubble burning incidents.
CAQM has also established a dedicated monitoring cell at Kheti Bhawan, SAS Nagar (Mohali) to oversee paddy residue management and promote inter-state coordination between Punjab and Haryana.
Action Plan for Punjab
- Bridge gaps in in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management, including availability and mobilization of CRM machinery.
- Develop a state-level strategy for inter-district movement of balers and ensure timely supply of equipment based on harvesting patterns.
- Intensify vigilance via the ‘Parali Protection Force’ with evening patrolling to detect and prevent burning events.
- Address pest-infected, silted, and waterlogged areas to minimize burning risks.
- Promote biomass co-firing in thermal power plants, targeting a 5% co-firing rate, and encourage the use of paddy straw for power generation.
- Coordinate closely with the CAQM Cell for year-round monitoring and management of paddy residue.
Action Plan for Haryana
- Review gaps in in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management and procure additional CRM machinery as needed.
- Strengthen inter-district coordination and micro-level planning for efficient stubble management and supply chain operations.
- Enhance vigilance through the ‘Parali Protection Force’ and ensure timely mobilization of balers and machinery.
- Ensure safe storage of bales, provide training to farmers on fire prevention, and make insurance options available to stakeholders.
- Impose strict penalties on farmers resorting to stubble burning and prevent incentivization of such practices.
- Raise awareness among urban local bodies and district officials about the risks of open burning of MSW and biomass, enforcing CAQM Direction 91.
CAQM’s Vision and Enforcement
CAQM emphasized that zero stubble burning during the 2025 paddy harvest season is non-negotiable. District administrations have been directed to enforce statutory measures, combining incentives and deterrence, to establish a sustainable ecosystem for self-propelled stubble management benefiting farmers. The Commission will conduct regular reviews to ensure strict implementation of approved action plans.
All stakeholders, including farmers and citizens, are urged to cooperate with government agencies to achieve cleaner air in the NCR and adjoining areas.
