CAQM Deploys Flying Squads to Curb Stubble Burning

The Centre's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has launched flying squads in Punjab and Haryana to control stubble burning during paddy harvesting season. A 'Paddy Stubble Management Cell' will also be established. This action responds to the Supreme Court's recent concerns about pollution control effectiveness.

The Centre's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Tuesday the deployment of flying squads in 16 districts of Punjab and 10 districts of Haryana to curb stubble burning during the paddy harvesting season.

The CAQM also revealed it will set up a 'Paddy Stubble Management Cell' at Mohali/Chandigarh to enhance coordination efforts during this critical period.

This decision follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court over the effectiveness of the CAQM's interventions in tackling pollution.

The Punjab and Haryana state governments have developed comprehensive action plans to eliminate paddy stubble burning for the 2024 Kharif season, according to a CAQM statement.

To bolster monitoring, flying squads from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have been positioned in hotspot districts across both states for the next two months, the statement added.

''These squads will collaborate closely with district authorities and nodal officers appointed by each state government,'' the CAQM detailed.

The 16 districts in Punjab receiving flying squads include Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Firozpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Moga, Muktsar, Patiala, Sangrur, and Tarn Taran.

In Haryana, the 10 districts are Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Sonipat, and Yamunanagar.

These squads will daily report to the Commission and CPCB, detailing the measures taken to prevent stubble burning in their respective areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)