CAQM Issues Directions for Prevention and Control of Paddy Stubble Burning in 2025

In a significant move to curb the seasonal menace of air pollution in Northern India, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued fresh directives for the prevention and control of paddy stubble burning. With the onset of the paddy harvesting season approaching, this proactive approach is intended to safeguard air quality, protect public health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Understanding the Issue: Why Is Paddy Stubble Burning Prevalent?

Paddy stubble burning is a practice where farmers burn leftover straw (parali) after harvesting paddy crops to clear the field quickly for the sowing of wheat. This method is cost-effective and time-saving—especially when there's only a 20–25 day window between crop cycles.

However, the practice causes

• Massive air pollution, adding up to 35-40% of Delhi’s winter smog

• Dangerous levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles

• Toxic chemical emissions (CO₂, CO, CH₄, N₂O)

• Adverse public health effects: asthma, lung infections, eye irritation

• Soil infertility due to destruction of beneficial microorganisms

Who Is CAQM and What Are Its Powers?

Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, CAQM is a statutory authority tasked with formulating and implementing strategies for air quality improvement across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

It has the power to:

• Issue binding directions to governments

• Monitor enforcement mechanisms

• Ensure inter-state coordination

• Penalize non-compliance under the Environment Protection Act

CAQM's 2025 Directions: What’s New and What’s Crucial?

Complete Ban on Stubble Burning

• Zero-tolerance policy reiterated across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (NCR districts), Rajasthan, and Delhi.

• Legal action under Section 188 IPC and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act against violators.

• Orders issued to police and revenue officials to support enforcement on the ground.

Crop Diversification Strategy

• Emphasis on encouraging farmers to switch from water-guzzling paddy to alternative crops like maize, pulses, and millets.

• CAQM is coordinating with ICAR and state agricultural universities to promote crop rotation benefits and incentives.

Deployment of Machinery Under CRM Scheme

• Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme, under the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to distribute:

  • Happy Seeders

  • Super-Straw Management Systems (Super SMS)

  • Zero-till seed drills

• Over 1.8 lakh CRMines have been distributed since inception.

• Real-time monitoring of machine usage through geo-tagging and mobile apps.

Bio-Decomposers Scaling Across States

• Following Delhi’s successful pilot, CAQM directed all states to:

  • Promote PUSA bio-decomposer application

  • Provide free-of-cost spraying for small and marginal farmers

  • Collaborate with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for training farmers

Incentive Framework: Financial Aid for Compliance

• States are advised to provide Rs. 1,000–2,500 per acre to farmers who do not burn stubble.

• A proposal under discussion for integrating a “green bonus” into MSP to reward sustainable farming.

• Additional incentives for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) involved in residue management.

Air Quality Monitoring and Fire Alert Systems

• Use of ISRO and NASA satellite data, along with ICAR and IMD coordination, to:

  • Detect fires in real time

  • Classify incidents by severity

  • Ensure immediate response by district officials

• Development of state-level dashboards for transparency and public engagement

Strict Accountability of District Administrations

• Each district is required to:

  • Prepare District Action Plans (DAPs)

  • Appoint Nodal Officers at block level

  • Submit daily and weekly status reports

  • Conduct patrolling and field inspections during peak harvesting periods

Citizen Engagement and Awareness

• Multi-channel outreach via:

  • Radio, television, and newspaper ads

  • WhatsApp messages and mobile alerts

  • Village-level awareness drives and Krishi Melas

• Promoting community-based monitoring and social policing to discourage burning

Long-Term Vision: Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Health

While the CAQM directions are vital for immediate relief, the larger objective is behavioral transformation among farmers. Real change will only occur when eco-friendly practices are

• Accessible (machines and solutions reach all farmers)

• Affordable (cost burden is removed)

• Rewarded (incentives and recognition are offered)

• Repeatable (solutions are scalable and effective every season)

Environmental and Public Health Impact

If implemented effectively, CAQM’s 2025 action plan could:

• Reduce farm fire incidents by over 60% compared to 2023 levels

• Improve Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR during October–November

• Mitigate climate change impact from agricultural methane emissions

• Support India’s Net Zero 2070 goals

The CAQM's proactive and multi-pronged approach to tackling stubble burning is a welcome shift from reactive to preventive governance. However, success will depend on last-mile delivery, coordination across departments, and farmer trust.

By combining technology, policy, and compassion, India can turn this environmental challenge into an opportunity for green reform—ensuring cleaner air for cities and healthier soil for farms.

FAQs

What is the role of CAQM in preventing stubble burning?

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body responsible for monitoring, coordinating, and enforcing air pollution control measures across Delhi-NCR and adjoining states. It issues binding directions to prevent stubble burning and promotes sustainable farming practices.

Is stubble burning completely banned in 2025?

• Yes, CAQM has enforced a complete ban on paddy stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (NCR districts), Rajasthan, and Delhi in 2025. Legal action will be taken against violators under environmental and criminal laws.

What alternatives are available for farmers to avoid stubble burning?

Farmers can adopt several eco-friendly alternatives, such as

• Happy Seeder and Super SMS machines

• PUSA bio-decomposer spray

• Crop diversification to non-paddy crops

• Zero-tillage and in-situ residue management

Are there financial incentives for farmers who avoid burning stubble?

• Yes, CAQM has recommended that states provide incentives ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per acre to farmers who manage crop residue without burning. Discussions are also underway to link green compliance with MSP or additional bonuses.

How is stubble burning being monitored in 2025?

• Stubble-burning incidents are monitored using satellite data from ISRO and NASA, supported by real-time reporting tools and state-level dashboards. District officials are required to act on fire alerts immediately.

Can small farmers afford these new machines?

• To support small and marginal farmers, the government provides custom hiring centers (CHCs), machine subsidies up to 80%, and free bio-decomposer spraying services in many districts.

How can the public report stubble burning?

Citizens can report stubble-burning incidents via:

• State pollution control board helplines

• CAQM’s official web portal

• Mobile apps developed for field reporting
  This helps in quick response and enforcement by local authorities.

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