New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR on Monday asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to ensure coordinated and time-bound implementation of action plans to prevent and eliminate wheat stubble burning in the summer harvest season. This includes the formation of a parali protection force, patrolling during late evening and providing adequate and appropriate storage facilities for wheat straw. Complementary efforts are expected from Rajasthan and Delhi.This is the first time CAQM will monitor stubble burning in summer. It said Punjab, Haryana and NCR districts of UP recorded 10,207, 1,832, and 259 farm fires, respectively, between April 1 and May 31 last year. The agricultural residue burning contributes to pollution locally and across NCR. “Satellite-based monitoring during the wheat harvesting season… highlighted the need for targeted wheat season interventions,” said CAQM. The directions include ensuring availability of CRM machines for farmers, a supply chain of wheat straw and awareness about measures to stop crop residue burning.
