Key Event | CAQM's Action Plan to Combat Stubble Burning |
States Involved | Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh |
Primary Focus | Reducing stubble burning to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR |
Parali Protection Force | To be established at district/block level; includes police, agricultural officers, and local officials; tasked with monitoring and preventing stubble burning. |
Surveillance Measures | Intensified patrolling, especially during late evenings; dedicated nodal officers for every 50 farmers. |
Penalties for Violations | Red entries in land records; environmental compensation fines for stubble burning. |
Farm Mapping and Technology | Farms to be mapped for stubble management methods; real-time online platform for tracking paddy residue. |
Machinery Support | Review of CRM machines; phase out non-functional machines; free rental for small farmers. |
Straw Storage Infrastructure | Storage facilities on Panchayat/government land; district-level supply chain for straw utilization. |
Stubble Burning | Removes paddy residue for wheat sowing; emits pollutants like methane, CO, VOCs, and PAHs. |
CAQM Background | Formed via ordinance in 2021, later replaced by CAQM Act, 2021; dissolved EPCA. |
CAQM Objectives | Ensure coordination, research, and policy execution for air quality improvement. |
CAQM Scope | Covers NCR and adjoining areas of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. |
CAQM Composition | Chairperson: Retired GoI/State Chief Secretary; members from central ministries, state stakeholders, CPCB, ISRO, civil society. |
CAQM Functions | Coordinate actions, develop pollution control plans, support research, address stubble burning, afforestation, and public awareness. |