CAQM holds detailed review meetings with State Governments of Punjab and Haryana on preparedness to prevent Stubble Burning incidents during Paddy Harvest Season 2025
CAQM holds detailed review meetings with State Governments of Punjab and Haryana on preparedness to prevent Stubble Burning incidents during Paddy Harvest Season 2025
In continuation of its sustained efforts to abate paddy stubble burning incidents in the region, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), held two significant review meetings with senior officials of Punjab and Haryana on 25.09.2025 and on 26.09.2025, respectively. Senior officers of various concerned departments, including District Magistrates (DMs)/ Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and SSPs from 23 Districts of Punjab and 22 Districts of Haryana, attended the respective review meetings.
The review focused on the preparedness of both the States for the paddy harvesting season 2025, in compliance with the Commission’s Directions 90 and 92. These directions mandate effective in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management, eliminating paddy stubble burning in hotspot Districts, for monitoring and actions being undertaken by the States of Punjab and Haryana.
Further, Flying Squad teams will be deputed in the two States for monitoring progress at field level in the hotspot Districts. The State Governments were requested to direct all concerned in the district administration to facilitate the Flying Squads and provide them with updated status from time to time.
It was highlighted that the CAQM Cell has been established at Kheti Bhawan, SAS Nagar (Mohali) which will monitor paddy stubble management and pollution activities to facilitate Inter-State coordination between Punjab and Haryana. The Commission urged close cooperation with the Cell to accelerate on-ground action with continuous monitoring and vigil.
Detailed presentations were made by both States on the implementation of their respective State Action Plans for 2025. After extensive deliberations, the following action points were directed by the Chairperson, CAQM to address the issue of stubble burning and diversification of agricultural practices:
Action Points for Punjab
Action Points for Haryana
While appreciating the efforts and arrangements made so far by both the States, CAQM reiterated that zero stubble burning during the upcoming season is non-negotiable and directed all district administrations to enforce statutory measures both incentives and deterrence. The long-term aim is to make an ecosystem for self-propelled stubble management system which adequately provides benefits to farmers. The Commission will conduct frequent and intensive reviews to monitor progress and ensure strict implementation of the approved Action Plans.
CAQM calls upon all stakeholders, including farmers and citizens, to work in close coordination with the Government agencies to achieve the shared goal of clean air for the NCR and Adjoining Areas.