CAQM reviews Paddy Stubble Management Measures in Firozpur and Faridkot; stresses Timely Availability of CRM Machinery and Farmer Facilitation

A high-level team from the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), led by Member (Technical) Dr. T.S. Panwar, visited the Firozpur and Faridkot districts of Punjab to review ground-level implementation of measures preventing paddy stubble burning. The team held joint review meetings with Deputy Commissioners and district officers focusing on preparedness for in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management (CRM), availability and optimal utilization of CRM machinery, field surveillance, hotspot monitoring, and enforcement measures. The CAQM emphasized strengthening stakeholder coordination, leveraging technology such as drones and low-cost sensors, sensitizing farmers against stubble burning and PM2.5 emissions, and ensuring farmers have timely access to management machinery.