CAQM reviews spike in stubble burning, outlines air pollution measures for Delhi-NCR

The CAQM reiterated the need for strict enforcement of directions issued and directed all concerned agencies and NCR state governments to make concerted efforts for effective implementation of annual action plans and sectoral actions for combating air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The CAQM reviewed greening and plantation targets fixed for 2026-27 for NCR states and Delhi, stressing regular follow-up and effective implementation to achieve the stipulated targets. An overall plantation target of around 4.60 crore trees, shrubs and bamboo plantations was fixed for 2026-27 across the region.

A total of 46 additional CAAQMS are proposed to be installed across Delhi-NCR, taking the total number of monitoring stations to 157. The commission emphasised expeditious installation of the remaining stations by the NCR states.

The commission discussed measures for prevention and control of air pollution in Delhi-NCR and reviewed the progress of strengthening the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) network across the region.

CAQM noted that between April 1 and May 15, as many as 8,986 stubble burning incidents were reported in Punjab, compared to 6,474 cases during the corresponding period in 2025. Haryana reported 3,290 incidents during this period, up from 1,503 last year.

The 28th full meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was held in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed the sudden spike in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana during April-May and directed state governments and agencies concerned to implement stricter enforcement mechanisms.