Zero Incidents of Stubble Burning; Major Success of Delhi Government in Pollution Control: CM Smt. Rekha Gupta

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta described the absence of even a single incident of stubble burning in the National Capital Territory of Delhi during the winter season of 2025 marks a significant and tangible achievement of the Delhi Government’s pollution control policy. The Chief Minister said that this success has been made possible through coordinated efforts of the Agriculture Unit of the Development Department and the Environment Department, sustained monitoring, and the active cooperation of farmers.

The Chief Minister noted that deterioration in air quality during winter is regarded as a serious challenge for Delhi, with stubble burning being a major contributing factor. Keeping this in view, the Delhi Government strictly implemented the ‘Winter Action Plan’ in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). For this purpose, the Agriculture Unit of the Development Department, in coordination with the Environment Department, adopted a zero-tolerance policy to prevent the burning of stubble and crop residue.

She informed that in 2025, paddy was cultivated on approximately 7,000 acres of land in Delhi. Despite this, due to the department’s continuous and well-structured efforts, zero incidents of stubble burning were recorded across the entire NCT of Delhi. This achievement demonstrates that serious pollution-related challenges can be effectively addressed through the right policies, efficient implementation, and farmers’ participation.

Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that round-the-clock operations were undertaken, with daily reviews conducted regularly by Development Commissioner Shri Shurbir Singh to ensure strict vigilance over any activity related to stubble or crop residue burning and to enable immediate action in case of any violation. She further informed that the Development Department carried out extensive field-level monitoring and awareness campaigns to prevent stubble burning. As part of this initiative, a total of 11 teams comprising Agriculture Extension Officers and Extension Assistants were deployed. These teams conducted 24×7 patrols across the five paddy-producing districts North, North-West, South, South-West and West monitoring fields and simultaneously sensitising farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning.

To promote effective stubble management, spraying of the Pusa Bio-Decomposer was carried out in fields after paddy harvesting. Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Pusa), this bio-decomposer helps decompose stubble within the field itself, thereby improving soil fertility and quality. This facility was provided entirely free of cost to farmers. The Chief Minister added that, to further strengthen crop residue management in the future, the Development Department is in the process of establishing two Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) in the North and South-West districts. These centres will provide farmers with essential machinery and equipment for stubble management, thereby completely eliminating the need for stubble burning.

The Chief Minister also informed that a dedicated control room was set up at the headquarters of the Agriculture Unit. This control room analyses satellite-based inputs received from Pusa’s CREAMS portal and, upon receiving reports of any potential incident, promptly directs field staff to take action based on geo-location data.

She added that, to enhance farmer awareness, 97 demonstrations of the Pusa Bio-Decomposer were conducted across all five paddy-producing districts of Delhi. In addition, 25 farmer training programmes on paddy stubble management were organised to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and alternatives to stubble burning.

Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that it is the outcome of these comprehensive measures including 24×7 patrols, sustained monitoring, training programmes, demonstrations, bio-decomposer spraying, establishment of a control room, and satellite monitoring through the CREAMS portal that not a single incident of stubble burning was reported in Delhi during the winter season of 2025. She said that this achievement stands as strong evidence of the Delhi Government’s effective policy against pollution, and that the government will continue to move forward with the same commitment towards the goal of a clean and healthy Delhi in the times ahead.