CAQM lauds Punjab for reduction in farm fires

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas on Wednesday commended Punjab for its significant efforts in reducing stubble burning by nearly 71% compared to last year, as reported in a state government release.

CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma held a review meeting with various stakeholder departments, deputy commissioners, and district police chiefs from Punjab to assess enforcement measures aimed at curbing stubble burning, according to the release.

Verma acknowledged the efforts of the Punjab government in addressing this issue, but emphasized the need to further strengthen enforcement to reduce farm fires to zero.

While reviewing the enforcement measures, particularly in high-burning districts, Verma stressed the importance of eliminating stubble burning entirely. He noted that although Punjab's efforts were commendable, there was still room for improvement in enforcement.

"The efforts made by the Punjab government so far are laudable, but we need to tighten enforcement and ensure that the number of stubble-burning incidents reaches zero," Verma stated.

He assured that the CAQM would continue to closely monitor the situation, collaborating with state governments and local authorities to ensure the effective implementation of enforcement measures. Verma also directed authorities to intensify their efforts to prevent stubble burning, emphasizing that there should be no laxity in enforcement and stringent action against violators.

Verma further advised that authorities must take proactive measures to control stubble burning until November 30, when the burning season typically peaks. He also recommended mapping villages based on fire counts and planning mitigation measures along with enforcement actions.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and district police officers from 13 districts with the highest rates of stubble burning presented updates on enforcement and regulatory efforts. Other districts shared their progress through video conferencing.

Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, participating in the deliberations, reiterated the state government’s commitment to tackling paddy straw burning by encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable straw management practices. He emphasized that DCs have been directed to implement both in-situ and ex-situ measures at the grassroots level, including offering subsidies to farmers.

Sinha also noted that micro-planning is being carried out at the village level, with the goal of reducing stubble burning incidents by the end of November. Additionally, he informed the commission that the four thermal power plants included in the State Action Plan will promptly begin using paddy straw-based pellets, as per the fixed coal blending ratio.

Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Anurag Verma assured the commission that the monitoring efforts would be intensified in the coming days, and that no complacency would be tolerated.

The meeting was attended by CAQM Member Secretary Arvind Nautiyal, Director RK Agarwal, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, and other officials.