Punjab Achieves 71% Reduction in Stubble Burning: CAQM Commends Efforts to Improve Air Quality

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently commended Punjab for its significant efforts to reduce stubble burning incidents by nearly 71% compared to last year. During a review meeting with Punjab’s Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police, and other key departments, CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma praised the Punjab government’s commitment to curbing this practice. He stressed the importance of further reducing stubble burning to zero and urged local authorities to intensify their efforts, maintaining strict enforcement to prevent future incidents.

Rajesh Verma emphasized that CAQM will continue monitoring closely and collaborating with state and local bodies to ensure effective implementation of stubble management measures. He instructed officials to maintain stringent oversight until November 30, the peak season for stubble burning, ensuring action is taken against those violating the laws. Verma recommended that authorities map villages based on fire incidents and respond with tailored enforcement actions.

Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha reiterated the government’s commitment under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership to control stubble burning. He stated that district officials have been directed to implement both in-situ and ex-situ stubble management techniques at the ground level, with financial support and subsidies provided to farmers. He also shared that micro-planning at the village level is underway through the end of November to ensure effective implementation. Sinha further assured that the four thermal power plants included in the State Action Plan are set to use paddy straw-based pellets alongside coal, in line with the specified mixing ratios.

Additional Chief Secretary for Agriculture, Anurag Verma, also committed to intensifying monitoring efforts, stressing that vigilance will continue around the clock. Environment Secretary Priyank Bharti reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to complying with CAQM’s directives, making every possible effort to support the campaign against stubble burning.

The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including CAQM’s Member Secretary Arvind Nautiyal, Director RK Agarwal, Member Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, and Dr. Vikas Singh, as well as Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, Agriculture Secretary Ajit Balaji Joshi, and Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairman Professor Adarsh Pal Vig. With ongoing efforts from the Punjab government and CAQM’s oversight, a significant reduction in stubble burning cases has already been achieved, bringing hope for improved air quality in Punjab and surrounding regions.

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