Environment · GS3.5, GS2.3, GS2.1 · 2026-10-24 · 4 min read · 2026-10-24-am
CAQM Reviews Air Pollution Control Measures in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held review meetings with Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh governments to assess and strengthen measures against air pollution sources including paddy stubble burning, vehicular pollution, dust, and industrial emissions. This is important for UPSC aspirants to understand the role of CAQM in environmental governance and inter-state coordination for air quality management.
CAQM coordinates and monitors multi-sectoral air pollution control efforts in NCR and adjoining states, focusing on paddy stubble burning and other pollution sources.
Why is this in the news?
On 22-23 October 2026, CAQM chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma reviewed air pollution control actions in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to ensure effective implementation of measures against paddy stubble burning and other pollution sources in Delhi NCR and adjoining areas.
[1] Press Information Bureau[2] Press Information Bureau[3] Press Information Bureau
What is CAQM's role in controlling air pollution in Punjab and Haryana?
- Mandate and leadership. CAQM, chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma, oversees air quality management in NCR and adjoining areas including Punjab and Haryana.
- Focus on paddy stubble burning. CAQM reviews State Action Plans, enforcement, district preparedness, and monitoring mechanisms for preventing paddy stubble burning, emphasizing effective use of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery.
- Use of technology. The Commission uses satellite-based fire alerts, drones, and low-cost sensors for field validation and monitoring of stubble-burning incidents.
- Other pollution sources. In Haryana, CAQM also reviews vehicular pollution control, dust mitigation from roads and construction activities, and industrial pollution compliance.
- Enforcement and coordination. CAQM stresses time-bound implementation of action plans, stronger enforcement, continuous monitoring, and coordination among State Departments and District Administrations.
How is CAQM supporting paddy stubble management on the ground in Punjab?
- Field visits and assessment. A high-level CAQM team visited thermal power plants, biomass plants, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and farm fields in Ropar, Hoshiyarpur, and Amritsar to assess in-situ and ex-situ paddy straw management.
- Machinery facilitation. The team evaluated the availability and adequacy of CRM machinery to facilitate farmers in managing paddy residue effectively.
- Co-firing targets. CAQM directed State authorities to meet biomass co-firing targets in thermal power plants with compliance to emission norms.
- Call for intensified efforts. The Commission emphasized timely access to CRM machinery for farmers and strengthening paddy stubble management ecosystems to minimize burning incidents.
- Monitoring and gap resolution. Proactive field-level monitoring and prompt resolution of operational gaps were highlighted for effective implementation.
What measures are being reviewed in Uttar Pradesh for air pollution control in Delhi NCR?
- Comprehensive action plan. UP Government presented 11 key initiatives addressing road dust, construction and demolition waste, biomass burning, vehicular pollution, traffic decongestion, industrial pollution, greening, and paddy stubble management.
- Specific interventions. Measures include road redevelopment, electric bus deployment, solid waste processing, remediation of waste dump sites, and monitoring of construction sites and industries.
- Vehicular pollution control. The Secretary urged faster installation of ANPR cameras at fuel stations to enforce ‘No PUCC No fuel’ policy and engagement with transport associations for replacing old vehicles under the PARIVARTAN scheme.
- Use of technology and monitoring. Integrated Command and Control Centres and Dust portals are used for remote monitoring of construction sites, waste tracking, road sweeping, and traffic management.
- Industrial compliance. Industries are monitored for installation of Air Pollution Control Devices to meet revised emission norms as prescribed by CAQM.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Key initiatives presented by Uttar Pradesh Government to address air pollution in Delhi NCR | |
| 15.05.2026 | Date of CAQM Direction No. 99 for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning | |
| 92 | CAQM Direction mandating use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets/briquettes in brick kilns |
Back to basics: Role of CAQM in Air Quality Management
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body responsible for coordinating and enforcing air pollution control measures in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. It issues directions to states, monitors implementation of action plans, and uses technology like satellite data and sensors for pollution monitoring. CAQM works with state governments, local bodies, and other agencies to reduce pollution from sources such as crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, dust, and industries.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. CAQM reviews and enforces measures against paddy stubble burning and other pollution sources in NCR and adjoining states. 2. CAQM is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (a). Statement 2 is incorrect because CAQM is chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma, not the Secretary of MoEFCC.
Mains question (15 marks)
Discuss the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in addressing air pollution in the National Capital Region and adjoining states.
Discuss: Explain CAQM's functions, coordination with states, and measures to control pollution sources like stubble burning and vehicular emissions.
Intro: Introduce CAQM as a statutory body for air quality management in NCR and adjoining areas.
- Describe CAQM's role in reviewing and enforcing state action plans against paddy stubble burning and other pollution sources.
- Explain the use of technology such as satellite monitoring, drones, and sensors for pollution tracking.
- Discuss coordination challenges and the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation among states and agencies.
- Highlight specific measures reviewed, including vehicular pollution control, dust mitigation, and industrial compliance.
Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing CAQM's critical role in improving air quality through coordinated and technology-driven interventions.
Previous year question (2016, GS3)
The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
Understanding CAQM's monitoring and enforcement mechanisms helps explain preparedness and risk reduction strategies for environmental disasters like urban floods caused by pollution and poor urban management.
Quick revision
- What is the main focus of CAQM's recent reviews in Punjab and Haryana?
- The main focus is on prevention and control of paddy stubble burning and abatement of other key pollution sources.
- Which technologies does CAQM use to monitor stubble burning incidents?
- CAQM uses satellite-based fire alerts, drones, and low-cost sensors for monitoring.
- What policy does Uttar Pradesh enforce to control vehicular pollution at fuel stations?
- The ‘No PUCC No fuel’ policy enforced through ANPR camera installation.
Updates
- Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates World's first- of -its-kind 'Air Pollution Analysis' facility for Delhi NCR — Press Information Bureau: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates World's first- of -its-kind 'Air Pollution Analysis' facility for Delhi NCR
Sources
- [1] Press Information Bureau: CAQM Reviews Air Pollution Control Measures in Punjab and Haryana, Calls for Prompt Ground-Level Action · 2026-10-22 · official
- [2] Press Information Bureau: A high-level team lead by Chairperson, CAQM reviews Paddy Stubble Management measures in Ropar, Hoshiyarpur and Amritsar · 2026-10-23 · official
- [3] Press Information Bureau: Secretary (MoEFCC) reviews UP Government's Action Plan to address Air Pollution in Delhi NCR · 2026-10-23 · official