# CAQM reviews paddy stubble management in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, issues strict directions URL: https://kasba.co.in/en/story/caqm-reviews-paddy-stubble-management-in-amritsar-and-tarn-t Language: en · Section: Farming · Published: 2026-10-24 Source: PIB, "सीएक्यूएम ने अमृतसर और तरनतारन में धान के पराली प्रबंधन उपायों की समीक्षा की", 2026-10-24, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2328061 A high-level team of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed paddy stubble management in Punjab's Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts on 24 October 2026. The directions affect farmers and district officials in these two districts, who have been told to prevent stubble burning. ## What this means for you This news directly concerns farmers and district officials in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts of Punjab. If you farm in these districts, you are expected to avoid burning stubble and use in-field or off-field management options. Officials have been told to visit villages, inform farmers about available facilities and make sure machinery reaches them on time. Readers elsewhere are not directly affected. ## Key facts - The review meeting was held on 24 October 2026 and was led by CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma. - The meeting was held with the Deputy Commissioners and other officials of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. - The team reviewed both in-field and off-field paddy stubble management. - Tarn Taran reported the highest number of stubble-burning incidents, so its Deputy Commissioner was told to treat the issue as top priority. - The Commission stressed maximum use of paddy stubble as fuel in thermal power plants, brick kilns and other industries. - The team visited an industrial boiler in Amritsar that uses pellets made from paddy stubble as fuel. ## What happened A high-level team led by Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM), held a review meeting with the Deputy Commissioners and other officials of Punjab's Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts on 24 October 2026. The meeting reviewed the steps being taken for paddy stubble management and stressed tighter control and complete elimination of stubble-burning incidents. ## What was reviewed The team reviewed both in-field and off-field paddy stubble management in the two districts, along with the facilities and infrastructure available for it. It also reviewed the action taken by both districts in view of rising fire incidents. The team expressed concern over the increase in such incidents and directed officials to make every possible effort to prevent them in future. The Commission also directed that nodal officers be appointed for different sectors, responsible for ensuring actual use of paddy stubble in the concerned areas and industries and for reporting compliance through regular monitoring. ## Who benefits The Commission stressed that paddy stubble should be used to the maximum as fuel in thermal power plants, brick kilns and industries where such use is possible. This can put stubble to productive use and reduce the need for farmers to burn it. ## Directions to officials The Commission told officials to visit villages and farmers regularly. They should not only inform farmers about available stubble management facilities but also ensure that the necessary machinery and facilities reach farmers on time. District administrations have been asked to strengthen coordination among farmers, Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), machinery providers and other stakeholders so that farmers can use residue management solutions without delay. ## Focus on Tarn Taran According to the release, Tarn Taran district has reported the highest number of paddy stubble-burning incidents. Its Deputy Commissioner was directed to treat the issue as the top priority and step up ground-level efforts to prevent and manage such incidents. The Commission warned that any negligence or failure to take effective steps will invite strict action and responsibility will be fixed. ## What the team saw in Amritsar During the visit, the team inspected facilities in Amritsar where paddy stubble is used as fuel. It visited an industrial boiler at an industrial complex that uses pellets made from paddy stubble as fuel. The visit offered a chance to understand the practical use of paddy residue and the scope for scaling up such useful models. ## What next The Commission reiterated that paddy stubble management should be seen from the point of view of farmers' convenience, as part of a wider process of residue management and resource use. It stressed that district administrations and all stakeholders should work together so that available in-field and off-field solutions are implemented effectively, stubble is put to productive use and stubble-burning incidents are eliminated completely. ## Questions and answers **What is CAQM?** CAQM is the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas, which deals with air quality issues in Delhi-NCR and nearby regions. Its team reviewed stubble management in Amritsar and Tarn Taran in Punjab. **What action will follow stubble burning?** The Commission warned that any negligence or failure to take effective steps will invite strict action and responsibility will be fixed. This warning was directed at officials. **What should farmers do?** Officials have been told to visit villages, inform farmers about stubble management facilities and ensure machinery reaches them on time. Farmers can use these facilities instead of burning stubble. **Can farmers get machinery on rent?** The release mentions Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) for renting equipment. District administrations have been asked to strengthen coordination among farmers, CHCs and machinery providers so farmers can use residue management solutions without delay. **Where else can stubble be used?** The Commission said paddy stubble should be used to the maximum in thermal power plants, brick kilns and industries where it can serve as fuel. A boiler in Amritsar using stubble pellets as fuel was also visited as an example. Kasba Desk, Kasba. This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing.