CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Chandigarh: The Commission for Air Quality Management has asked Punjab and Haryana to close gaps in their pollution-control plans and act promptly against paddy-stubble burning during the harvest season. At separate review meetings in Chandigarh on October 22, the commission examined field enforcement, crop-residue management and other measures intended to limit winter air pollution, according to an Environment Ministry release.
The Punjab review focused on whether crop-residue machinery was available to farmers and being used effectively. Officials also examined arrangements for collecting, transporting and using paddy straw, as well as checks on satellite fire alerts using field assessments, drones and low-cost sensors.
In both states, the commission reviewed the use of straw-based biomass pellets or briquettes in brick kilns and progress towards biomass co-firing targets at thermal power plants. It called for stronger supply chains so that paddy straw could be used as a resource instead of being burnt.
Haryana's review extended to vehicle emissions, industrial pollution and dust from roads, open areas and construction sites. Discussions included number-plate recognition systems at fuel and CNG stations for enforcing pollution-certificate requirements, action on end-of-life vehicles and the planned phase-out of diesel auto-rickshaws in NCR districts.
CAQM sought time-bound implementation, closer coordination among state departments and district administrations, and continuous checks in the field. It also asked the states to make crop-residue machinery easier for farmers to access and improve arrangements for managing straw away from fields.
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