SYLLABUS

GS-2: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. 

GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) issued a comprehensive Statutory Direction regarding the coordinated and time-bound implementation of State Action Plans for the prevention and elimination of wheat stubble burning during the 2026 harvesting season.

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• The Direction has been issued to the Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with complementary efforts expected from GNCTD and Rajasthan. 

• While paddy stubble (October–November) has historically been the main target, CAQM noted that wheat harvesting season fires also significantly deteriorate local and regional air quality, thus necessitating the need for targeted interventions during the wheat season in addition to existing paddy-season measures. 

• The satellite monitoring during the wheat harvesting season (1 April–31 May 2025) recorded 10,207 fire incidents in Punjab, 1,832 in Haryana, and 259 in the NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh. 

• Accordingly, the Commission issued its Direction No. 96, mandating a time-bound implementation of respective State Action Plans to eliminate wheat stubble burning, exploring viable alternatives during the upcoming 2026 wheat harvest season.

• States are required to submit monthly progress reports to the Commission for continuous monitoring and necessary actions.

Key Directions Issued by CAQM

• Effective Implementation of State Action Plans: The State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh shall implement the approved State Action Plans in full to eliminate and control wheat stubble burning.

• Farm Level Mapping of Residue Management: Each farm in every village shall be mapped to identify the specific mode of wheat residue management, such as crop diversification, in situ management, ex situ utilisation or fodder use.

• Tagging of Nodal Officers for Monitoring: Tag specific nodal officers to a group of farmers, covering all farmers in the district. Maximum 100 farmers could be tagged with each nodal officer for effective monitoring.

• Timely Availability of Crop Residue Management Machines: The States shall ensure optimal utilisation and timely availability of Crop Residue Management machines during the peak harvesting season through a dedicated mobile application.

• Rent Free Access for Small and Marginal Farmers: Custom Hiring Centres shall provide Crop Residue Management machines free of rent to small and marginal farmers to ensure equitable access.

• Development of Adequate Storage Infrastructure: The Governments shall establish sufficient and safe storage facilities for wheat straw to minimise losses and reduce the risk of fire incidents.

• District Level Supply Chain Management Plan: Each district shall formulate a Supply Chain Management Plan to create a robust and continuous supply chain for wheat straw, including its ex situ applications and use as fodder throughout the year.

• Constitution of the Parali Protection Force: A dedicated Parali Protection Force shall be formed at the district and block levels, comprising police officers, Agriculture Department officials, administrative officers and other stakeholders to prevent open burning.

• Strengthened Enforcement and Patrolling: Enforcement agencies shall intensify patrolling, particularly during late evening hours when incidents of burning are more likely to occur.

• Environmental Compensation Mechanism: The States shall ensure the implementation of an appropriate environmental compensation mechanism against violations of anti-burning norms.

• Information, Education and Communication Activities: Extensive Information, Education and Communication activities shall be conducted to raise awareness about government schemes, best practices and the environmental impact of crop residue burning.

Impact of Stubble Burning

• Air Pollution: It is a major source of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and toxic gases like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

• Smog & Haze: Emissions react with winter weather to form dense smog, significantly reducing visibility and contributing to hazardous air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).

• Global Warming: Burning releases high levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

• Nutrient Loss: Burning one tonne of stubble results in the loss of approximately 5.5 kg nitrogen, 2.3 kg phosphorus, 25 kg potassium, and 1.2 kg sulfur.

• Respiratory & Cardiovascular Issues: Exposure triggers or worsens asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer.

About Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) 

• The CAQM was set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, following the promulgation of an ordinance in 2020.

• It replaced the 22-year-old Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) and is intended to serve as a permanent, overarching body for air-quality governance in the region.

• It has exclusive jurisdiction over air quality matters within the NCR and adjoining areas of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, and in case of conflict, its directions prevail over state pollution control boards or state governments in those matters. 

• It oversees implementation of measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), monitors pollution sources, restricts polluting activities, and coordinates actions across states to address transboundary air pollution. 

• The Commission is a multi-member body, comprising a full-time Chairperson, several ex-officio and full-time members, NGO members, and technical members from agencies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and NITI Aayog. 

Source:
PIB
Energy Watch