CAQM directs state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh to take measures to curb air pollution due to burning of wheat stubble

The Commission for Air Quality Management (“CAQM”) directs State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding burning of wheat straw, with a view of the urgent need to control air pollution.

Key directions made to the State Governments:

1. Effective implementation of State Action Plan in letter and spirit, to eliminate and control the wheat stubble burning.
2. Mapping of each farm in all the villages for the proposed mode of wheat stubble management (crop diversification/ in-situ management / ex-situ management / fodder etc.).
3. Tagging of specific nodal officers to a group of farmers, covering all farmers in the district.
4. Ensure optimum utilization and timely availability of CRM machines to the farmers, mainly during the peak harvesting season, through a mobile app.
5. Mandate rent-free availability of CRM machines for small / marginal farmers through the CHCs.
6. Provide adequate and appropriate storage facility for wheat straw, ensuring minimization of losses due to fire.
7. Establish a robust and continuous supply chain of wheat straw in various forms for ex-situ applications including its use as fodder.
8. Constitute a dedicated “Parali Protection Force” (PPF) at the district / block level comprising of police officers, officers of the Agriculture Department, administrative officers, nodal cluster officers and officials from other stakeholder Departments, to closely monitor, oversee and guard against any incidence of open wheat stubble burning.
9. Ensure imposition and realization of appropriate EC charges in respect of all such persons, who resort to stubble burning.
10. Undertake extensive IEC activities and awareness programs about various measures and schemes to prevent crop residue burning and also to educate farmers about best practices and adverse impact of stubble burning.

Source: Commission for Air Quality Management