CAQM Urges Punjab, Haryana to Monitor Summer Stubble Burning for Air Quality
CAQM wants Punjab and Haryana to extend stubble burning monitoring to summer months to tackle air pollution.
Photo by Gopinath Mohanta
Quick Revision
CAQM wants Punjab and Haryana to monitor stubble burning in summer (wheat harvesting season) in addition to winter (paddy harvesting season)
Current monitoring focuses on October-November
New directive aims to address high baseline pollution levels in the region
Key Dates
Visual Insights
CAQM's Focus: Stubble Burning in NCR & Adjoining States
This map highlights the key states (Punjab, Haryana) where stubble burning is a major concern, and the National Capital Region (NCR) which bears the brunt of the resulting air pollution. CAQM's jurisdiction extends to these areas, emphasizing the need for year-round monitoring.
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Exam Angles
Role and mandate of statutory bodies like CAQM in environmental governance.
Multi-dimensional challenges of agricultural practices on environment and public health.
Effectiveness and limitations of government schemes and technological interventions for crop residue management.
Inter-state coordination and federal challenges in addressing environmental issues.
Sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation strategies.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has asked Punjab and Haryana to monitor stubble burning not just in winter but also in summer. This move comes as the region faces high baseline pollution levels, and the CAQM believes that summer stubble burning also contributes significantly to air pollution.
Currently, monitoring is focused on the post-monsoon paddy harvesting season (October-November), but the commission wants to expand this to the wheat harvesting season (April-May) as well. This is a crucial step towards a more comprehensive approach to tackling air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the recent directive by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding stubble burning, consider the following statements: 1. CAQM has urged Punjab and Haryana to monitor stubble burning during the wheat harvesting season (April-May). 2. The primary focus of stubble burning monitoring has traditionally been the post-monsoon paddy harvesting season. 3. CAQM is a statutory body established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct as per the news, CAQM has asked to monitor summer stubble burning (wheat harvesting). Statement 2 is correct, traditional monitoring focused on paddy harvesting (Oct-Nov). Statement 3 is also correct. The CAQM was established by an ordinance in October 2020 and subsequently made a statutory body through the 'Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021', which falls under the broader framework of environmental protection, effectively making it a body established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, for the specific purpose of air quality management in NCR.
2. Which of the following are potential environmental and agricultural benefits of In-situ Crop Residue Management (CRM) practices, such as using Happy Seeder or PUSA Decomposer? 1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from burning. 2. Improvement in soil organic carbon content. 3. Enhanced water retention capacity of the soil. 4. Increased incidence of pest attacks due to residue accumulation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 3 only
- C.3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. In-situ CRM practices like Happy Seeder (which sows seeds without removing stubble) and PUSA Decomposer (which breaks down stubble) help in reducing stubble burning, thereby cutting down greenhouse gas emissions. The incorporation of crop residue into the soil or its decomposition on the surface enriches soil organic carbon and improves soil structure, leading to better water retention. Statement 4 is incorrect; while some initial concerns about pests might exist, proper management and decomposition generally do not lead to increased pest attacks in the long run, and often improve soil health which can naturally deter some pests.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM): 1. It has the power to issue directions to state governments in the NCR and adjoining areas on matters related to air pollution. 2. Its decisions can be challenged only before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). 3. The Chairperson of CAQM must be a retired or serving officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India or Chief Secretary of a State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. CAQM has wide-ranging powers, including issuing directions to state governments and other authorities to take measures to prevent, control, and abate air pollution. Statement 3 is correct. The CAQM Act, 2021 specifies that the Chairperson must be a retired or serving officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India or Chief Secretary of a State. Statement 2 is incorrect. The decisions of the CAQM can be challenged before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) or the Supreme Court, not 'only' before NGT.