New Delhi [India], November 19 (HBTV): The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas issued a notice to Fatehabad Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bharti, IAS, for failing to comply with directives aimed at preventing paddy stubble burning in Haryana.
In its notice dated November 10, 2025, the Commission expressed concern that despite repeated directions and review meetings, farm fire incidents continue to be reported from Fatehabad district.
Between September 15 and November 9 this year, the district recorded 59 cases of paddy residue burning, including 48 incidents between November 1 and November 9. Of these, 28 incidents occurred on November 8 and 9 alone, indicating a sharp spike despite enforcement measures.
The CAQM stated that recurring incidents reflect inadequate supervision and poor enforcement of state action plans intended to eliminate stubble burning this harvest season. It added that the continued rise in farm fires amounts to ‘non-compliance and contravention’ of statutory directions issued under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
During recent review meetings, the Commission had warned of strict action against Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and nodal officers in districts where stubble burning persists. Haryana reported 206 farm fire cases between September 15 and November 6, compared to 288 cases during the same period last year, indicating only marginal improvement.
The notice directs the Fatehabad Deputy Commissioner to submit a written explanation by 5:00 p.m. on November 17, 2025, explaining why action should not be taken under Section 14 of the CAQM Act for failure to enforce the Commission’s orders. Section 14 provides for penalties including imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to one crore rupees, or both.
Copies of the notice have also been sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Haryana, along with the Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and the Secretary, Environment and Climate Change.
The CAQM reiterated that it will take strict action against administrative lapses in enforcing measures to curb stubble burning, which remains a major contributor to deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region.
(ANI)