Written by Sukhbir SiwachChandigarh | November 12, 2025 09:17 PM IST 4 min readHaryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi stated that Haryana’s three-pronged strategy — in-situ management, ex-situ utilisation, and fodder use — is yielding strong results across the state’s 39.31 lakh acres of paddy cultivation. (Express file photo)The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has sought an explanation from the Fatehabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Haryana after the district recorded 28 stubble burning incidents in just two days — November 8 and 9 this year. According to the commission, Haryana has reported 206 stubble burning incidents between September 15 and November 6, compared to 888 during the same period last year.In a notice to Fatehabad Deputy Commissioner Dr Vivek Bharti on Tuesday, the CAQM stated that despite review meetings and statutory directions issued to ensure complete elimination of paddy stubble burning during 2025, “it is noticed that during the period from September 15 to November 9 this year as many as 59 paddy residue burning events were still reported from Fatehabad, of which 48 fire incidents have been reported during November 1-9”. It further said that as many as 28 fire incidents were reported on November 8 and 9, which “indicates significant spurt in fire incidents”.Noting that “adequate supervision, effective implementation and enforcement of the action plans” has not been “forthcoming” and that the “high level” of paddy stubble burning events still being recorded, the CAQM said this is tantamount to an offence punishable under the Act.Seeking an explanation, the panel directed the Deputy Commissioner to clarify why action should not be initiated under Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Area Act, 2021, “for non-compliance or contravention of its directions”. It also made clear that the explanation must reach the panel by 5 pm on November 17, failing which “it shall be presumed that you have nothing to state and action shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Act.”In a high-level meeting held on November 7 to review ground-level actions by departments concerned, the CAQM said that Haryana recorded 206 farm fire incidents between September 15 and November 6 compared to 888 last year — 77 per cent reduction — adding that this is “indicated only marginal improvement compared to last year.”However, following the meeting, the Haryana government issued an official release claiming that CAQM chairperson Rajesh Verma appreciated the collective efforts of state officials and farmers in reducing stubble burning. “He especially commended the districts of Karnal and Kurukshetra for their significant progress in curbing paddy residue burning. Emphasising that the next ten days are extremely crucial, he directed the district administrations to maintain strict vigilance to ensure that no further cases of stubble burning occur in the state,” the release stated.The government also asserted: “Haryana is on track to become a zero stubble-burning state within the next two years, having achieved remarkable progress in curbing crop residue burning”.Story continues below this adChief Secretary Anurag Rastogi stated that Haryana’s three-pronged strategy — in-situ management, ex-situ utilisation, and fodder use — is yielding strong results across the state’s 39.31 lakh acres of paddy cultivation.To encourage sustainable farming, the government has enhanced financial incentives, offering Rs 1,200 per acre for in-situ and ex-situ management, Rs 8,000 per acre for crop diversification, and Rs 4,500 per acre for DSR. A total of Rs 471 crore has been earmarked for these initiatives. Free bio-decomposer powder is also being distributed, with Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (Hisar) implementing the technology on 2 lakh acres.Under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme for 2025–26 as many as 7,781 machines worth Rs 94 crore have been sanctioned, supported by overall funding of Rs 250.75 crore jointly contributed by the central and state governments.Sukhbir Siwach's extensive and in-depth coverage of farmer agitation against three farm laws during 2020-21 drew widespread attention. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Haryanastubble burning