Commission for Air Quality Management Strengthens Anti Stubble Burning Measures

Establishment and legal foundation

Commission for Air Quality Management Strengthens Anti Stubble Burning Measures: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was created under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. It serves as a statutory authority to monitor, regulate, and improve air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby states. The formation of CAQM replaced earlier mechanisms that lacked coordination among multiple pollution control agencies.

The Commission provides a centralized institutional framework to address persistent air pollution challenges in northern India. It ensures coordination among states such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, which significantly influence NCR air quality.

Static GK fact: NCR includes Delhi and districts from four neighbouring states, covering more than 55,000 square kilometres.

New statutory direction on wheat stubble burning

In 2026, CAQM issued a comprehensive Statutory Direction to eliminate wheat stubble burning, a major contributor to seasonal air pollution. The directive mandates states to implement detailed Action Plans aimed at preventing residue burning through technological and policy interventions.

Stubble burning releases harmful pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, which severely impact public health. The Commission has directed states to promote sustainable alternatives such as biomass utilization, mechanized residue management, and farmer incentives.

This step reflects the government’s increasing focus on preventive environmental governance instead of reactive measures.

Core functions and regulatory authority

CAQM has broad powers to regulate pollution sources and enforce compliance across multiple sectors. One of its major responsibilities is implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP is an emergency framework that introduces pollution control measures based on the severity of air pollution levels.

These measures include construction bans, vehicle restrictions, industrial shutdowns, and school closures during severe pollution episodes. CAQM also monitors industries to ensure compliance with emission standards and environmental regulations.

Static GK Tip: GRAP was first notified in 2017 as a pollution control mechanism for NCR and is implemented based on Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Enforcement powers and penalties

CAQM has authority to impose strict penalties on polluters, including industries and individuals violating environmental norms. It can issue binding directions, conduct inspections, and take legal action against non-compliant entities.

The Commission also regulates vehicular emissions, promotes cleaner fuels, and encourages the adoption of electric mobility and Bharat Stage emission standards. These efforts aim to reduce pollution caused by transportation, which is a major contributor to urban air quality deterioration.

CAQM’s directions are legally binding, and failure to comply can result in fines, closures, or prosecution, making it a powerful environmental regulatory body.

Role in improving environmental governance

The establishment of CAQM represents a major institutional reform in India’s environmental management system. It ensures coordinated action across states, scientific monitoring, and strict enforcement of pollution control measures.

Its recent focus on eliminating wheat stubble burning by 2026 reflects a shift toward long-term solutions. This approach will help reduce seasonal pollution spikes and improve public health in NCR and surrounding regions.

Static GK fact: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is classified into six categories, ranging from Good (0–50) to Severe (401–500).

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Commission for Air Quality Management Strengthens Anti Stubble Burning Measures: