The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed Punjab, Haryana, and UP to prevent stubble burning incidents, as per the Supreme Court order in M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India.
- CAQM has been set up for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better co-ordination and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.
Key directions
- Constitution of a dedicated Parali Protection Force: Comprising police officers, officers of the Agriculture Department, etc.
- Mandating use of paddy straw pellets/briquettes for co-firing in brick kilns: This can be done on the lines of thermal power plants.
- Mapping of each farm in all villages: For the proposed mode of paddy stubble management (crop diversification/ in-situ management, etc.).
- Determined rate for procurement of paddy straw: Mandated Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to determine common rate of paddy straw on the line of Haryana.
- Promoting ex-situ management: Optimal utilization of balers, rakers and other machines
- Other:
- Establish an online platform for real-time and consistent data reporting.
- Comprehensive review of the inventories of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines.
