Chandigarh: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday directed the Punjab government to take immediate measures to curb stubble burning incidents across the state.
CAQM Chairman Rajesh Verma, who is currently visiting Punjab, expressed serious concern over the rising number of farm fires and the non-compliance of emission norms at the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plant in Bathinda. He warned that the commission would issue directions to shut down the plant if corrective actions were not taken promptly.
During the visit, several cases of stubble burning were detected in nearby fields. According to the commission, Punjab reported 3,284 cases of stubble burning between September 15 and November 6 this year, compared to around 5,000 during the same period in 2024.
Verma said that while Haryana has recorded a significant decline in farm fire incidents during the current paddy harvesting season, Punjab needs to step up enforcement to tackle the issue effectively.
