CAQM orders tighter vigil in seven Punjab districts as stubble burning cases rise

Amid a recent increase in paddy stubble burning incidents in Punjab, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday directed authorities in seven districts of the state to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent further incidents.

The directions were issued during a review meeting chaired by CAQM Member Secretary Tarun Pithode with district collectors, district magistrates and senior superintendents of police from Faridkot, Firozpur, Barnala, Bathinda, Patiala, Malerkotla and Sangrur.

The meeting focused on assessing measures already undertaken by district administrations and reviewing their preparedness to manage paddy straw and prevent its burning in agricultural fields.

𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

In a post on X, the commission said the meeting was convened following a recent spurt in farm fire incidents across Punjab.

"Member Secretary, CAQM Shri Tarun Pithode, today held a review meeting amid the recent spurt in paddy stubble burning incidents in Punjab. The meeting reviewed actions taken by them and preparedness to manage stubble," the commission said.

During the meeting, officials were instructed to intensify field-level monitoring and ensure that preventive measures were implemented effectively in areas reporting stubble burning incidents.

The commission also emphasised the need for coordination among different arms of the district administration to strengthen enforcement and discourage the burning of crop residue.

𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

The CAQM directed district authorities to ensure the effective deployment of balers and other crop residue management machinery to help farmers dispose of paddy straw without resorting to burning.

Balers are used to collect and compress agricultural residue into bundles, making it easier to transport and use for other purposes. Their availability and deployment are important components of efforts to promote alternatives to open-field burning.

Officials were also asked to intensify awareness campaigns among farmers and encourage the adoption of crop residue management practices.

The commission stressed that all relevant departments and personnel, including police officials, must be actively involved in efforts to prevent farm fires.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

The directions come as agricultural residue burning remains a concern during the post-harvest season in Punjab and neighbouring states. Farmers sometimes burn leftover paddy straw to clear their fields quickly for the next crop, despite the availability of alternative management methods.

Smoke from such fires contributes to particulate pollution across parts of north India, particularly when unfavourable weather conditions limit the dispersion of pollutants.

The CAQM, which is responsible for coordinating measures to improve air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, has repeatedly emphasised the need to prevent agricultural residue burning through enforcement, machinery deployment and farmer participation.

Sunday's review placed particular emphasis on the seven identified districts, with local administrations directed to strengthen preventive action and improve coordination to contain the recent rise in incidents.