CAQM Chairperson reviews paddy stubble management in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts
24 October 2026
A high-level team led by Shri Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, held a review meeting on 24 October 2026 with the Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts of Punjab. The meeting reviewed in-situ and ex-situ utilisation of paddy stubble and the infrastructure available in the two districts. The Commission expressed concern at the increased number of fire incidents and directed officers to arrest the numbers. It asked for maximum utilisation of paddy stubble as fuel in thermal power plants, brick kilns and industries, with sector-wise Nodal Officers made responsible for actual utilisation. As Tarn Taran continues to report among the highest number of paddy stubble burning incidents, its Deputy Commissioner was directed to accord topmost priority to the issue. The team also inspected an industrial boiler in Amritsar where paddy stubble pellets are used as fuel.
In plain words
CAQM Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas — A statutory commission that issues binding directions on air quality in the National Capital Region and nearby states.
In-situ In-situ stubble management — Managing crop residue within the field itself, such as by mixing it into the soil.