CAQM reviews preparedness of States for elimination of Stubble Burning in 2026; stresses Strengthened Enforcement, Crop Residue Management and Coordinated Action

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the statutory apex body for air-quality governance in NCR & adjoining areas; stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana & western UP is a principal seasonal driver of NCR's winter PM2.5 spike.
• On 6 May 2026, CAQM reviewed paddy-season 2026 preparedness with Punjab, Haryana & UP, stressing strengthened enforcement, in-situ + ex-situ Crop Residue Management (CRM) and coordinated action.
• Tests both cooperative federalism (Centre–States) and environmental governance under a special statute — high-yield UPSC theme for GS-III (Environment) and GS-II (Statutory bodies).