Central panel allows DMs to punish lax staff on farm fires

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has, for the first time, authorised the district authorities in the NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to prosecute officials for inaction on stubble burning.

A total of 267 and 187 paddy residue burning events were reported from September 15 to October 9 from Punjab and Haryana, respectively.

The CAQM has also directed the district administrations to intensify vigil against stubble burning.

“Earlier, in these states, FIRs were lodged against farmers for burning crop residue. The departments and officials concerned were issued show-cause notices for failing to check stubble burning. However, a decision to legally prosecute officials for their inaction on stubble burning has been taken for the first time,” an official from the CAQM told The Tribune.

As winter sets in, air pollution in Delhi increases with stubble burning identified as a key contributor. “Based on the field experience during 2021, 2022 and 2023, action plans were readied for Punjab, Haryana and NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh with a focus on the prevention and control of stubble burning during the paddy harvest season,” the CAQM said.

A statement from the CAQM said, “Taking into account the current situation and with a view to ensuring effective implementation of the action plans at the field level, the CAQM, in exercise of the powers vested upon it under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021, has authorised the deputy commissioners/ district collectors/ district magistrates in Punjab, Haryana, NCR areas of Rajasthan and UP and in the NCT of Delhi to file a complaint before the judicial magistrate in case of inaction by officials, including nodal officers and supervisory officers, and the SHOs responsible for effective enforcement towards ensuring elimination of stubble burning in their respective jurisdiction.”

The CAQM has also directed the district administrations and the state governments to shoulder higher responsibility and maintain a constant vigil to control stubble burning.

It has deployed 26 central teams in key districts of Punjab and Haryana to help the local authorities manage stubble. A special cell has also been set up in Chandigarh to monitor these efforts closely.