CACQM Reviews Crop Residue Management Efforts in Punjab and Haryana to Combat Air Pollution

Chandigarh, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Commission for Air Quality Management (CACQM) held a review meeting in Chandigarh on October 22 to evaluate the measures taken by the Punjab and Haryana governments to prevent stubble burning. This initiative is crucial for improving air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas.

Rajesh Verma, the chairman of CACQM, conducted separate meetings with officials from both states. The discussions focused on strategies to curb stubble burning incidents and control other significant sources of air pollution. Verma emphasized the need for prompt action at the grassroots level.

During the meeting with Punjab officials, the commission reviewed the availability, deployment, and effective use of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines at the district and farmer levels. They also assessed the shortcomings in machine utilization, along with the logistics for collecting, transporting, and using stubble. Furthermore, the meeting addressed both in-situ and ex-situ stubble management practices.

The commission highlighted the necessity to strengthen the supply chain for crop residue management and ensure effective use of available machines during peak harvesting seasons. They also discussed the use of satellite-based fire alerts to confirm burned crop areas, the deployment of drones, and the implementation of low-cost sensors for monitoring stubble burning incidents.

In discussions with Haryana officials, the focus extended beyond stubble burning to include other sources of air pollution. Key areas of concern included vehicle emissions, dust from roads and open areas, dust generated from construction and demolition activities, industrial pollution, and related measures.

Haryana’s state action plan also underwent review, covering stubble management, deployment and use of CRM machines, the supply chain for crop residues, confirmation of burned areas, and monitoring systems using drones and sensors.

CACQM believes that stubble management should not only be viewed as a means to prevent burning but also as an opportunity to enhance citizens’ quality of life and promote a circular economy. They assert that utilizing stubble as a resource can help develop a robust industrial framework.

The commission has instructed officials and district administrations in both states to take immediate and effective action on the ground. They also warned that any negligence leading to an increase in stubble burning incidents will be taken seriously.