Punjab and Haryana told to close pollution-control gaps before winter pressure builds

Air-quality authorities have asked Punjab and Haryana to strengthen field action against stubble burning and other pollution sources. CAQM held separate reviews with the two state governments in Chandigarh on October 22, examining enforcement, district preparedness and monitoring.

The Punjab review focused on paddy-straw management, including whether crop-residue machinery is actually reaching farmers and being used effectively. Officials also examined collection, transport and use of straw, alongside monitoring through satellite alerts, drones and low-cost sensors.

Haryana’s review covered a wider mix of sources: farm fires, vehicle emissions, road dust, construction activity and industrial pollution. The commission examined progress on existing pollution-control requirements and asked departments and district administrations to correct implementation gaps promptly.

The practical issue is follow-through: machinery availability, straw-handling arrangements and enforcement must work together during harvesting. CAQM asked state agencies to address implementation gaps and maintain coordinated monitoring through the critical winter period.