CAQM reviews stubble burning with Punjab and Haryana; warns Lehra Mohabbat thermal plant
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), chaired by Rajesh Verma, held review meetings with the Punjab and Haryana governments in Chandigarh on 7 November 2025 on curbing stubble burning, after field visits in Punjab.
Summary
The CAQM review found that Punjab recorded 3,284 stubble burning incidents between 15 September and 6 November 2025, against 5,041 in the same period of 2024, and called for urgent action there; Haryana reported 206 farm fires against 888. During field visits, the CAQM chair warned that the Lehra Mohabbat thermal power plant in Bathinda could face closure directions over poor condition and emission non-compliance. CAQM was set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (Act 29 of 2021), which dissolved the earlier Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority for NCR.
Key facts
- Meetings
- 7 Nov 2025, Chandigarh
- CAQM chair
- Rajesh Verma
- Punjab fires (15 Sep–6 Nov)
- 3,284 vs 5,041 in 2024
- Haryana fires
- 206 vs 888 in 2024
- Warning
- Lehra Mohabbat TPP, Bathinda
- Static link
- CAQM Act, 2021 (Act 29 of 2021); replaced EPCA
Practice MCQs 3 questions
How many stubble burning incidents did Punjab record between 15 September and 6 November 2025, as noted by CAQM?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 3,284
Punjab recorded 3,284 incidents against 5,041 in the same period of 2024; Haryana reported 206 against 888.
How many farm fire incidents did Haryana report between 15 September and 6 November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 206
Haryana reported 206 farm fires, against 888 in the same period of 2024, which CAQM credited to incentives and enforcement.
Consider the following statements about the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM): 1. It is constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. 2. The Act dissolved the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) for the National Capital Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The CAQM Act, 2021 (Act 29 of 2021) provides for constituting the Commission; it repealed the 1998 order setting up EPCA and dissolved the EPCA for NCR (India Code, PRS).