CAQM Demands Prompt Action on Air Pollution Control in Punjab and Haryana
CAQM holds critical review meetings with Punjab and Haryana to tackle paddy stubble burning and urban pollution to protect air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has sounded the alarm for immediate ground-level implementation of air pollution control measures. Led by Chairman Rajesh Verma, the Commission conducted high-level review meetings with the governments of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh on Thursday to scrutinize efforts to curb paddy stubble burning and other major pollution sources.
Punjab: Tackling the Stubble Burning Crisis
The discussions with the Punjab government centered heavily on the State Action Plan designed to prevent and control the burning of paddy stubble, following the mandates set in CAQM Direction No 99. The Commission took a deep dive into how these plans are being executed on the ground, focusing on district-level readiness and the monitoring systems currently in place.
Machinery and Management
A significant portion of the review focused on Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery. The CAQM evaluated:
- The availability and deployment of machinery at both district and farmer levels.
- Identifying gaps where machinery is underutilized.
- Strategies for the collection, transport, and use of paddy straw through both in-situ and ex-situ management.
The Commission stressed that the crop-residue supply chain must be strengthened to ensure that machinery is fully utilized during the critical peak harvesting window.
High-Tech Monitoring and Biomass Use
To ensure accuracy in reporting, the CAQM reviewed the field validation of burnt areas using satellite-based fire alerts. The deployment of drones and low-cost sensors to track stubble-burning incidents was also analyzed. Furthermore, the Commission checked compliance regarding the mandatory use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets and briquettes in brick kilns, as well as the progress of biomass co-firing in thermal power plants.
Haryana: A Comprehensive Pollution Crackdown
While stubble burning remained a priority for Haryana, the CAQM's review extended to a broader spectrum of pollutants. The Commission examined the state's approach to vehicular emissions, industrial waste, and urban dust.
Combatting Vehicular and Industrial Smog
The review of vehicular pollution highlighted several key enforcement measures:
- The installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at CNG and fuel stations to ensure vehicles possess valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs).
- Strict action against end-of-life vehicles.
- The transition toward cleaner mobility and the phasing out of diesel-operated auto-rickshaws within NCR districts.
Industrial pollution was also under the scanner, with the Commission reviewing compliance with environmental norms and the effectiveness of monitoring units.
Dust Mitigation and Construction Control
To tackle the rising levels of particulate matter, the CAQM reviewed Haryana's efforts in dust mitigation. This included mechanised road sweeping and road-dust control measures. Additionally, the Commission examined the implementation of dust-mitigation protocols at construction and demolition (C&D) sites.
The Path Forward: Time-Bound Execution
The CAQM has made it clear that plans on paper are not enough. The Commission emphasized the necessity for time-bound implementation of State Action Plans, supported by rigorous field-level monitoring and seamless coordination between state departments, district administrations, and enforcement agencies.
The States were advised to address implementation gaps on priority and ensure timely corrective action across the respective sectors.
Finally, the Commission highlighted that farmers must be better facilitated with in-situ crop residue management machinery to discourage the practice of burning fields, ensuring a cleaner atmosphere for the region.