UPSC By Aptness.ai
PIB digest for Saturday, 10 October

CAQM Reviews Stubble Burning Prevention in Punjab

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · Environment · Posted 10 OCT 2026 6:41PM

What happened

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed stubble burning prevention measures and conducted field visits in the hotspot districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. Flying Squads have also been deployed across 18 districts in Punjab from October 1 to November 30, 2026, to curb winter air pollution.

Why it matters for UPSC

This highlights institutional measures and monitoring mechanisms used to tackle stubble burning, which is critical for understanding air pollution control and environmental governance under the UPSC syllabus.

Key objectives

  1. Review preparedness and coordination for in-situ and ex-situ utilisation of paddy stubble in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts.
  2. Deploy Flying Squads in 18 districts across Punjab from 01.10.2026 to 30.11.2026 to monitor and prevent stubble burning.
  3. Ensure timely availability of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery and strengthen the supply chain with industries utilizing paddy straw bales.