Chandigarh: In a high-level review meeting chaired by Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Haryana outlined its strategy to tackle air pollution, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR). Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi presented a detailed action plan, highlighting steps the state is taking to reduce emissions and improve environmental health, reports The Tribune.
Rastogi stated that Haryana is fully prepared to eliminate paddy stubble burning this year. The state expects 85.5 lakh metric tonnes of straw from 41.37 lakh acres of paddy cultivation. To address this, the government is offering financial assistance to farmers under various schemes. These include support for adopting water-saving practices, crop residue management, and direct seeding of rice. All applications are being processed through the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal to ensure transparency and ease of access.
Alongside financial incentives, the state is implementing regulatory measures to encourage the use of renewable alternatives. One such initiative involves the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets in brick kilns in non-NCR districts. Under a government directive, brick kilns will be required to begin using 20 percent biomass pellets by November 2025, with the target rising to 50 percent by 2028. The proposal has received approval from the Chief Minister, and a Standard Operating Procedure will be released within 15 days to guide implementation.
Efforts to reduce dust pollution are also underway. Each road-owning agency in the state is developing a model road stretch based on CAQM guidelines. A recent training programme, conducted in collaboration with the Haryana State Pollution Control Board and non-governmental organizations, focused on building capacity for dust control and environmental management.
Urban infrastructure in cities such as Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonepat is also being improved through redevelopment projects. These initiatives include better sidewalk construction, increased greenery, systematic paving, and enhanced waste management related to construction and demolition activities.
The review meeting also covered measures to reduce vehicular emissions. The state is gradually phasing out vehicles that have reached the end of their operational life and is actively promoting the use of electric vehicles. Clean fuel alternatives are being encouraged across sectors, including e-commerce and public transportation. Rastogi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to shifting auto-rickshaws and other public transport vehicles to cleaner fuels in a phased manner.
Rajesh Verma, in his remarks, praised Haryana’s structured and well-supported environmental roadmap. He described the state’s approach as data-driven and financially sound, while also emphasizing the importance of public participation. He urged the state to scale up public awareness efforts through focused information, education, and communication activities.
The meeting marked a collaborative effort to strengthen environmental governance and implement sustainable practices aimed at reducing pollution in one of India’s most affected regions.
