New Delhi, February 16: In a bid to improve air quality, the Air Quality Management Commission has issued a legal directive aimed at preventing stubble burning in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas. The directive mandates the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to implement state-level action plans in a timely and coordinated manner during the 2026 wheat harvesting season.
The commission highlighted that the burning of agricultural residues impacts air quality not only locally but also in the NCR and adjacent regions. Therefore, structured seasonal preparations are essential. According to standard protocols developed by ISRO/ARI, multiple incidents of fires were recorded in NCR districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh during the wheat harvesting season from April 1 to May 31, 2025.
Previously, the commission had provided a framework for controlling and eliminating agricultural residue burning and instructed states to develop state-specific action plans based on this framework. During the 26th meeting of the commission on December 22, 2025, and a subsequent meeting with the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, these states presented their action plans, which the commission advised them to update and improve.
The commission has ordered the relevant states to implement their action plans to prevent stubble burning and ensure alternative measures. It instructed the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to fully enforce their state action plans to control and stop stubble burning.
Additionally, each village is required to prepare a map of every field and classify it according to proposed management practices such as crop diversification, in-situ or ex-situ management, and fodder production. A nodal officer responsible for farmers will be appointed in each district, tasked with monitoring a maximum of 100 farmers.
Farmers will be ensured timely and effective use of CRM machines through a mobile app. CRM machines will be made available free of charge to small and marginal farmers. Adequate and proper storage facilities for wheat stubble will be provided. A continuous supply chain for stubble for ex-situ use (such as fodder) will also be established, along with district-level planning for each district.
A “Stubble Protection Force” will be formed at the district/block level, comprising police, agricultural department officials, administrative officers, and other relevant departments, to monitor and prevent incidents of open stubble burning.
Moreover, increased monitoring and patrolling during late evening hours, ensuring proper arrangements for environmental compensation, and conducting extensive programs to raise awareness among farmers about the harms of stubble burning and better practices have been advised.
Additionally, the governments of Delhi and Rajasthan have been urged to make all possible efforts to prevent stubble burning incidents in the upcoming harvesting season. States are required to send monthly reports to the commission for continuous monitoring and necessary action.
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My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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