A two member team of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has visited Haryana to assess the ground situation regarding stubble burning and review measures taken by the state government to control farm fires during the ongoing paddy harvesting season. The team has directed state authorities to ensure strict implementation of prescribed guidelines, while noting a significant decline in farm fire incidents.
The team comprises CAQM Technical Member Dr SD Atri and Scientist-B Dr Gajender Kumar Gaurav. During its visit, the officials are reviewing stubble burning trends over the past three years and inspecting identified hotspots to verify satellite based reports and assess crop residue management arrangements.
After visiting Kaithal district on November 12, the team is scheduled to reach Hisar on November 13. It will also interact with officials and stakeholders from Hisar, Hansi, Fatehabad and Rohtak districts.
Haryana Records 218 Farm Fire Incidents
According to official figures, Haryana has reported 218 paddy residue burning incidents so far this season, with Kaithal recording the highest number at 67.
District authorities informed the CAQM team that stubble burning had been considerably controlled during the harvesting season, except around Diwali, when the highest number of farm fire incidents were recorded in a single day.
In Kaithal, 44 FIRs have been registered against farmers found burning paddy residue in their fields. The CAQM team has urged officials to work towards completely eliminating such incidents.
Hisar Officials Use Satellite Surveillance to Monitor Farm Fires
During its visit to Hisar, the team will inspect Barwala, Pabra, Khairi and Sahu villages. It is also scheduled to visit a paddy straw pellet-making unit in Khairi village to examine the arrangements for crop residue management and utilisation.
In Hisar district authorities received satellite based reports of eight suspected farm fire incidents this season. However, field inspections confirmed stubble burning at only four locations, while the remaining four reports were found to be incorrect.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr Babu Lal said departmental teams were continuously monitoring agricultural fields, supported by satellite surveillance, to prevent stubble burning.
Around 70 per cent of paddy harvesting in the district has been completed while the remaining area is under close monitoring.
The agriculture department has warned that strict action will be taken against farmers found burning crop residue. The measures include registration of FIRs, financial penalties and recording red entries on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal.
The CAQM team’s visit comes amid continued efforts to reduce agricultural fires and tackle air pollution across Haryana and the wider National Capital Region.
Officials are expected to review the effectiveness of existing prevention measures and identify gaps in crop residue management to ensure better compliance and minimise farm fires during the remaining harvesting period.