Mandatory Implementation of Paddy Straw-derived Biomass Fuel Ordered in Brick Kilns Spread throughout Punjab and Haryana by CAQM
Wrecking Ball! Commission Slams the Brakes on Stubble Burning Crisis
In a radical move to address the long-standing issue of stubble burning and its devastating impact on air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) dropped a hammer on June 3, 2025. Their Statutory Direction, numbered 92, forces brick kilns situated in non-NCR districts of Punjab and Haryana to switch to paddy straw-based biomass fuel. Here's the skinny.
The CAQM declared war on open-field burning of crop waste, aiming to significantly reduce it by having these brick kilns co-fire paddy straw-based pellets or briquettes. Their battle plan involves a phased adoption strategy, with the goal of achieving at least 50% co-firing of paddy straw-based biomass by November 1, 2028. The targets are as follows:
- 20% co-firing by November 1, 2025
- 30% co-firing by November 1, 2026
- 40% co-firing by November 1, 2027
- 50% co-firing by November 1, 2028
Worth a Gander:
- Curing the Stubble Burning Epidemic - Farm Mechanisation Solutions: Learn more about alternative methods to combat stubble burning in North and Northwestern India's agricultural regions.[Link Removed for Simplicity]
The initiative isn't just a breath of fresh air for the environment; it offers sustainable use for agricultural waste. This economic incentive for farmers might help lessen their reliance on polluting fuels in industrial operations.
The state governments of Haryana and Punjab have been ordered to enforce these co-firing percentages and closely monitor compliance. They must submit monthly reports on accomplishments and progress to the CAQM.
This aggressive tactic is part of CAQM's broader strategy to eliminate open stubble burning in North India— a primary culprit of the region's severe air pollution during colder months. The commission strongly emphasizes the importance of promoting eco-friendly fuel alternatives in the industrial sector, particularly brick kilns that consume substantial amounts of combustion fuel and are often nestled near agricultural zones.
So buckle up, North India! Better air quality awaits us in the fight against crop residue burning.
First published on: 03 Jun 2025, 05:12 IST
- This radical move by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is not just a step towards improving air quality, but also a significant contribution to environmental-science, as it seeks to reduce the practice of open-field burning of crop waste, a key factor in climate-change.
- The CAQM's initiative to force brick kilns to switch to paddy straw-based biomass fuel is a testament to how policy-and-legislation can play a crucial role in addressing environmental concerns, such as the stubble-burning crisis.
- The general-news of CAQM's Statutory Direction, numbered 92, has sparked debate in political circles, with discussions revolving around the potential impacts on both the industrial sector and farmers, and how these changes might be integrated into wider climate-change mitigation strategies.
