Throughout area visits to Punjab, CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma expressed critical concern over the poor situation and non-compliance of emission norms on the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Energy Plant in Bathinda.
The fee warned that it might subject closure instructions if rapid corrective measures are usually not taken.
The group additionally discovered stray incidents of stubble burning within the space.
In a high-level evaluation assembly with the Punjab authorities on November 7, the fee noticed that the state recorded 3,284 incidents of stubble burning between September 15 and November 6 this 12 months, in comparison with 5,041 circumstances throughout the identical interval in 2024, displaying solely marginal enchancment.
It stated some districts, together with Muktsar and Fazilka, reported a rise in fireplace counts, requiring rapid intervention.The CAQM additionally stated that 4 thermal energy crops in Punjab co-fired solely 3.12 lakh metric tonnes of crop residue pellets until September towards a goal of 11.83 lakh metric tonnes for 2025-26.It directed the state to scale up efforts for crop residue administration, make sure the well timed availability of equipment and lengthen help for compressed biogas crops.
Emphasising stronger enforcement and accountability, the fee directed Punjab to accentuate consciousness campaigns and take strict motion towards officers in areas with a better variety of farm fires.
Reviewing Haryana's efficiency, the fee stated the state reported a serious decline in farm fires, recording 206 incidents between September 15 and November 6 in comparison with 888 in the identical interval final 12 months.
The CAQM attributed this enchancment to proactive enforcement, incentive-based interventions and a behavioural shift amongst farmers in direction of in-situ and ex-situ crop residue administration.
The fee additionally reviewed different key air pollution sources in Haryana, together with vehicular and industrial emissions, mud from development and demolition and municipal waste administration.
It directed the strict implementation of motion plans and statutory instructions to make sure cleaner air within the area.
