CAQM Member Secretary calls for strengthening crop residue management system in Fazilka
Fazilka, November 13, 2026: A review meeting with district administration, agriculture and other concerned department officials was presided over by Tarun Pithode, Member Secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, to assess the arrangements for crop residue management during the stubble-burning season 2026-27.
The meeting was held at the District Administrative Complex, Fazilka, in the presence of CAQM Director Shivendra Chaturvedi and CAQM Scientist-B Dr Ramesh Kumar. Deputy Commissioner Amarpal Kaur Sandhu, SSP Gagan Ajit Singh and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr Mandeep Kaur also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Pithode reviewed the availability and functioning of baler machinery, equipment used for incorporating paddy straw into the soil, and the performance of the Crop Residue Protection Force in the district.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the crop residue management system, he directed officials to ensure that farmers are provided with the required machinery according to their demand for effective management and in-situ incorporation of paddy straw. He appealed to farmers not to burn paddy residue and instead incorporate it into the soil to improve soil health and fertility.
DC and ADC informed the CAQM team that satellite-based monitoring and drone surveillance were being used to keep a close watch on stubble-burning incidents. Besides, a sensor had also been installed for monitoring purposes. They stated that satellite data indicated a reduction in the area affected by stubble burning in 2026 compared to 2025.
Pithode further stressed that officials of the district administration and concerned departments should work as dedicated teams and intensify awareness campaigns among farmers wherever required. He said that any shortage of modern machinery required for crop residue management should be addressed promptly and farmers should be facilitated in accessing the necessary equipment to prevent stubble burning across the district.
Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Kulwant Singh, Executive Engineer of the Punjab Pollution Control Board Daljit Singh, SDO H.B. Singh, Agriculture Officer Dr Mamta Singh and other departmental officials were also present at the meeting.