The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a 19-point directive targeting the complete elimination of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
- Jurisdiction and Coverage:The CAQM covers the National Capital Region (NCR) and its adjoining areas.
- It focuses on regions that directly impact the air quality of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
- It is tasked with formulating air pollution control strategies in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas
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About Stubble Burning
- Definition: Stubble Burning involves setting fire to the crop residue (straw stubble) left after harvesting rice and wheat.
- Farmers use this method to quickly prepare the field for the next crop cycle.
- Reasons For Stubble Burning: It is a cost-effective and fast way to clear fields.
- Helps in controlling pests.
- Environmental Consequences: Releases large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air.
- Major contributor to air pollution, especially in northern India.
- It has been estimated that the burning of one tonne of paddy straw releases 3 kg particulate matter, 60 kg CO, 1460 kg CO2, 199 kg ash and 2 kg SO2.
- Causes loss of soil nutrients and organic matter as well as physical health deterioration to the soil, reducing long-term fertility.
- Health Hazards: The smoke causes respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
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- Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk.
About the Directives issued by the Commission For Air Quality Management
- Parali Protection Force and Enforcement: Form a dedicated Parali Protection Force at the district/block level”.
- The Parali Protection Force — made up of police, agriculture, and civic officers — is to “closely monitor, oversee and guard” against stubble burning incidents.
About Crop Residue Management (CRM)
- CRM refers to the sustainable handling and utilization of crop residues (like straw and stubble) left in fields after harvest.
- It aims to avoid open burning and instead promotes eco-friendly alternatives to manage leftover biomass.
- In-Situ CRM Techniques(Managing residue within the field):
- Happy Seeder: Sows seeds without removing the stubble.
- Mulching: Crop residue is left as a protective layer on the soil.
- Ex-Situ CRM Technique(Utilizing residue outside the field):
- Biomass-based power generation (using straw in boilers or biomass plants).
- Pelletization of straw for co-firing in thermal power plants or brick kilns.
- Animal fodder, composting, or industrial use.
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- Enforce intensified evening patrols to prevent nighttime burning and evasion of satellite monitoring.
- Penalise violations with “red entries” in land records and environmental compensation fines.
- Farm Mapping and Officer Tagging: Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh must map every farm in each village and
- Tag a nodal officer to oversee no more than 50 farmers per district.
- Machinery Review and Procurement: Conduct a comprehensive review and gap analysis of existing crop-residue-management (CRM) machines.
- Complete procurement of new CRM machines by August 2025.
- CRM Machine Access for Farmers: Ensure free rental of CRM machines for small and marginal farmers through agri-cooperative or government-run centres.
- Guarantee optimal machine availability aligned with the harvesting schedule.
- Tech-Driven Implementation: Develop IT tools for real-time planning, booking, and utilisation of machines.
- Establish an online platform for real-time crop residue data and monitoring.
- Straw Storage and Supply Chain: Create district-level supply-chain plans.
- Identify government/panchayat lands for storing straw bales.
- Use balers, rakers, and other tools for ex-situ residue management.
- Economic Incentives: Fix a common procurement price for paddy straw in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to incentivize straw collection and reuse.
- Industrial Utilisation of Paddy Straw: Set up a pilot paddy straw-based boiler to generate steam in industrial units.
- Promote the use of paddy straw pellets in brick kilns, similar to their use in thermal power plants (TPPs).
- Citizen Engagement and Monitoring: Encourage citizens to report stubble burning incidents via social media platforms.
- Promote government schemes supporting ex-situ straw management.
- Supreme Court Oversight: States must form committees to monitor implementation. Submit monthly reports to CAQM beginning June 2025, as per Supreme Court directions.
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