In a major step towards ensuring comprehensive and sustained efforts for the management of paddy stubble in Punjab and Haryana, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has established a Dedicated CAQM Cell at SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab.

The newly established Cell will function throughout the year, overseeing the entire ecosystem of paddy stubble management—from planning and farmer engagement to coordinating with stakeholders and monitoring the supply chain for continuous and assured delivery of paddy straw to end-users.

In addition to its core mandate of managing paddy stubble, the Cell will also monitor and coordinate air pollution control measures in identified Thermal Power Plants (TPPs), particularly focusing on biomass co-firing initiatives. Furthermore, it will supervise air quality issues across various sectors in Haryana's NCR regions situated farther from Delhi.

Located at the Kisan Vikas Chamber, Kalkat Bhawan, SAS Nagar (Mohali), this permanent facility is expected to play a critical role in coordinating with the Agriculture Departments of Punjab and Haryana, field enforcement teams, and Flying Squads—especially during the paddy harvesting and stubble burning season.

Earlier, CAQM had operated a temporary Paddy Stubble Management Cell (PSMC) in Chandigarh from 1st October to 30th November 2024, during the peak stubble burning period. Recognizing the need for year-round planning, execution, and monitoring—particularly for ex-situ utilisation of paddy straw—CAQM had requested the Punjab Government to extend the necessary infrastructure and logistical support. The setting up of this permanent Cell is a result of that collaborative effort.

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VM/GS

(Release ID: 2149925)