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Increase in farm fires: CAQM orders stricter enforcement in NCR
The CAQM announced tighter enforcement in the National Capital Region to address rising stubble burning, approved electric-three-wheeler registration in Delhi and nearby districts, and planned future bans on conventional-fuel auto-rickshaws. It also expanded the air quality monitoring network and highlighted the role of vehicles in PM2.5 emissions, signaling a push toward cleaner mobility.
Why It Matters
The measures aim to reduce air pollution in the NCR by curbing agricultural burning and shifting transport toward cleaner options, potentially affecting commuters and policy implementation timelines.
Timeline
5 Events
Expansion of air quality monitoring network in NCR
May 15, 2026
CAQM announced 46 new air quality monitoring stations across the NCR: 14 in Delhi, 16 in Haryana, 15 in Uttar Pradesh, and 1 in Rajasthan, taking the total number of stations in the NCR to 157.
CAQM notes vehicles' contribution to PM2.5 and calls for cleaner mobility
May 15, 2026
The commission noted a recent report by air quality experts identifying vehicles as a major contributor to PM2.5 emissions and stressed an accelerated transition toward cleaner mobility.
Ban on conventional-fuel autorickshaws in remaining NCR districts
May 15, 2026
The remaining NCR districts will see a ban on autorickshaws running on conventional fuel from January 1, 2029.
CAQM approves electric three-wheeler registrations for Delhi and nearby districts
May 15, 2026
The commission approved a direction mandating registrations of only electric three-wheelers in Delhi from January 1 next year (2027) and in the five neighbouring districts—from January 1, 2028.
Punjab and Haryana stubble burning incidents rise in 45-day period
May 15, 2026
During the 45-day period, Punjab reported 8,986 stubble burning incidents, up from 6,474 in the corresponding period last year. Haryana reported 3,290 incidents, compared with 1,503 during the same period in 2025.