Set up 'parali protection force' to curb field fires: CAQM to Punjab, Hry, UP

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas on Saturday announced a 19-step directive for state governments to eliminate stubble burning, a key contributor to Delhi's annual winter pollution crisis.

- Aheli Das

NEW DELHI:

As part of the plan, each farm across Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh must be mapped with a proposed mode of paddy stubble management.

"The management strategy may include crop diversification, in-situ methods such as mulching and use of decomposers, or ex-situ solutions like baling and biomass use," said a CAQM official, who did not wish to be named. "Each group of up to 50 farmers will be tagged to a nodal officer to ensure effective monitoring and implementation at the ground level."

Other major directions include a gap analysis of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery availability, planning for proper storage of paddy straw bales to avoid losses due to fire, and setting up robust supply chains for transporting straw for ex-situ use—such as in power plants, packaging material or brick kilns. District-level supply chain management plans are to be created across the region to support these efforts.