The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken significant steps to address the growing concern of air pollution in Delhi-NCR by holding comprehensive meetings with the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These meetings focused on enforcing measures against stubble burning and addressing polluting vehicles in the region.
A detailed action plan has been prepared, and CAQM is conducting regular reviews to monitor its implementation. The commission has empowered district authorities to take strict action against officials who fail to enforce restrictions on stubble burning, particularly in the states of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
According to sources from the Ministry of Environment, the Deputy Commissioners, District Collectors, and District Magistrates in these areas have been authorised to file complaints or initiate prosecution against officials who show inaction. These authorities can now approach jurisdictional judicial magistrates to hold responsible officials, including nodal officers, supervisory officers, and Station House Officers (SHOs), accountable for poor enforcement efforts.
Monitoring Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana
Recent data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change highlights the urgency of the situation. From September 15 to October 9, 267 and 187 incidents of paddy residue burning were reported in Punjab and Haryana, respectively. Stubble burning in neighbouring states has been identified as a significant contributor to the poor air quality in Delhi, especially during winter when pollutants get trapped, resulting in hazardous smog.
The CAQM has deployed 26 Central teams to hotspot districts in Punjab and Haryana to maintain close coordination with district-level authorities. These teams will work to ensure that all resources for managing crop residue, both in situ and ex situ, are optimally utilised. A “Paddy Stubble Management Cell” has also been set up in Chandigarh to monitor and coordinate efforts continuously.
Crackdown on Polluting Vehicles in Delhi-NCR
Alongside the focus on stubble burning, a special drive targeting polluting and unfit vehicles has commenced in Delhi and the NCR. These efforts are being reviewed at multiple levels, including by the Environment Ministry, CAQM, and state governments. The drive aims to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a major source of pollution in the region.
Last month, the Supreme Court criticised the CAQM for not taking adequate measures to curb air pollution in the national capital region, accusing the commission of being a “silent spectator.” In response, the CAQM has intensified its efforts to ensure stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures, including holding state governments and local authorities accountable for inaction.
With winter approaching, the risk of severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR is high, and the CAQM’s recent steps signal a more robust approach to tackling the dual issues of stubble burning and vehicular pollution. Continuous monitoring and stringent enforcement will be key to improving air quality in the coming months.
