Chandigarh, Oct 4: As north India braces for its annual bout of toxic smog, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has strengthened the authority of Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan (NCR districts), Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, allowing them to initiate penal proceedings against government officials who fail to curb stubble burning.
The move, formalised through an order issued on October 1, comes ahead of the peak pollution season when air quality across the region typically deteriorates due to widespread paddy residue burning. “District administrations must remain constantly vigilant and ensure the complete elimination of crop residue burning,” said Dr. Virinder Sharma, CAQM member and signatory to the directive.
Under the new order, the district heads are now empowered to file complaints before judicial magistrates against negligent officials—including nodal officers, supervisory officials at multiple levels, and Station House Officers—tasked with enforcing the ban on stubble burning within their jurisdictions. The directive supersedes an earlier order dated October 10, 2024, which had permitted complaints to be filed only against specific officers.
The CAQM noted that despite a gradual decline in farm-fire incidents in recent years, the practice remains a significant contributor to winter smog over Delhi and neighbouring states. The commission reiterated that crop residue burning is already banned under existing state orders and stressed that enforcement officers would be held accountable for any lapses.
The timing of the order is crucial. On September 17, the Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction over weak enforcement of anti-burning measures and called for stronger deterrents, including arrests of violators. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 8.
Officials said the new powers are expected to ensure stricter ground-level monitoring and timely punitive action against those neglecting their duties. “Holding officials accountable is essential to break the cycle of inaction that has allowed farm fires to persist year after year,” said a senior CAQM official.
Paddy residue burning in Punjab and Haryana continues to be one of the main sources of seasonal smog that chokes Delhi and its adjoining states, turning the region’s air hazardous each winter. With this renewed directive, the government hopes local administrations will take firmer control to prevent a repeat of past pollution crises.
