District-Level Task Forces to Monitor and Prevent Paddy Straw Burning Ahead of Kharif Season
New Delhi, May 10 — In a significant move to combat the recurring menace of stubble burning, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to establish a "Parali Protection Force" at both district and block levels. This initiative aims to control paddy straw burning, a major contributor to hazardous air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.The directive, issued on Friday, mandates state governments to map all village farms to identify the most suitable techniques for managing paddy stubble. Suggested approaches include crop diversification, in-situ residue management, and converting stubble into fodder.
Strong Enforcement Mechanism Proposed
The CAQM's order outlines the creation of dedicated forces consisting of police personnel, agricultural officers, and other relevant officials to oversee field-level enforcement. These teams will conduct regular patrols, with a focus on late evening hours—when many stubble-burning incidents occur to bypass satellite surveillance.Violators will face stringent consequences, including:
- “Red Entries” in land ownership records
- Environmental compensation fines
Upgrade and Support for CRM Equipment
States have been instructed to evaluate the current stock of crop residue management (CRM) machinery, phasing out outdated or non-functional units. A fresh gap analysis must be completed, with procurement strategies for new machines finalized by August 2025.In a bid to support small and marginal farmers, the CAQM has asked states to:
- Provide CRM machines rent-free
- Facilitate access through custom hiring centers
Storage and Supply Chain Strengthening
Recognizing the logistical challenges of managing collected paddy straw, the CAQM has called for the identification of Panchayat or government land to set up storage facilities. A district-level supply chain must be developed to streamline the collection, storage, and utilization of straw for applications like bioenergy production and composting.An online platform will be launched to track paddy residue generation and utilization in real time, aiming to enhance transparency, data accuracy, and inter-agency coordination.
Tackling Air Pollution at Its Root
Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh remains a leading cause of the annual spike in air pollution levels across Delhi-NCR, especially post-harvest. With the Kharif season approaching, the CAQM’s latest measures are designed to curb this issue at the source through prevention, monitoring, and farmer support.The directive marks a significant escalation in India’s battle against farm-related air pollution, combining technology, governance, and grassroots engagement to create a sustainable stubble management ecosystem.
