CPCB deploys flying squads in Punjab, Haryana to check stubble burning
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has deployed flying squads across 34 districts of Punjab and Haryana to curb stubble burning during the paddy harvesting season, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas (CAQM). The move was announced in a CPCB statement on Monday.
Deployment across 34 districts
According to the CPCB, the squads will operate from October 1 to November 30, covering 18 districts in Punjab and 16 in Haryana. The teams have been tasked with assessing ground-level conditions in their assigned districts and working closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to prevent and control instances of paddy stubble burning.
Mandate and coordination
The CPCB said the flying squads will coordinate with a wide range of on-ground actors to strengthen enforcement and support preventive measures. “The teams will coordinate with farmers, Parali Protection Force, district-level authorities, State government nodal officers, officers of the respective State Pollution Control Boards, CAQM Cell at S.A.S. Nagar and the Commission. The ground situation, along with the steps taken to prevent further incidents of paddy stubble burning, will be reported to the CAQM Cell on a daily basis,” the statement added.
Recent CAQM directions
The deployment follows recent directions issued by the CAQM to enforcement agencies across the National Capital Region. The Commission called for strict compliance with its measures, with particular emphasis on enforcement in vehicular and industrial sectors, the prevention of stubble burning, and the mitigation of road dust and construction and demolition dust.
Monitoring and reporting through harvest season
The CPCB noted that the squads’ daily reporting to the CAQM Cell at S.A.S. Nagar is intended to provide continuous oversight through the peak paddy harvesting window. The real-time assessments and coordinated interventions are aimed at reducing fire incidents and ensuring timely follow-up by district and State-level authorities.
Significance
The stepped-up deployment underscores the Centre’s effort to tighten on-ground enforcement against paddy residue burning during a period that has historically seen an uptick in farm fires. By integrating daily field reports with multi-agency coordination, the CPCB and CAQM aim to enhance responsiveness and reinforce preventive actions across Punjab and Haryana.
