Empowering Action Against Stubble Burning in Northern India

The Centre's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has empowered district magistrates to take legal action against officials not enforcing stubble-burning restrictions in key states. Amid rising incidents, the CAQM has authorized legal actions and deployed teams to monitor, aiming to manage and curb air pollution effectively.

The Commission for Air Quality Management has intensified efforts to mitigate stubble burning in northern India, particularly Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. District magistrates have now been granted the authority to pursue legal actions against officials who fail to implement measures aimed at curbing the harmful practice.

Alarmingly, the CAQM reported 267 incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and 187 in Haryana over a three-week period, raising concerns about air quality in the region. In response, the body has empowered local authorities to file complaints against negligent officials, aiming to reinforce accountability and drive compliance in managing air pollution.

As the harvest season progresses, the CAQM has mobilized 26 central teams to crucial districts, supporting local administrations in utilizing available resources. A dedicated monitoring cell has also been established in Chandigarh to ensure rigorous observation and enforcement of anti-stubble burning strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)