CAQM Approves Draft Directions to Ban Paddy Stubble Burning, Mandate EV 3‑Wheelers and PUCC‑Based Fueling in Delhi‑NCR

Overview The CAQM convened its 28th full commission meeting on 15 May 2026 . Chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma , the meeting focused on aggressive measures to curb air‑pollution sources such as crop‑residue burning, vehicular emissions, and inadequate monitoring infrastructure. Key Developments Approval of Draft Direction No. 99 to implement an Action Plan for total eradication of paddy stubble burning in the NCR. Approval of Draft Direction No. 100 for exclusive registration of Electric 3‑Wheelers (L5) in Delhi‑NCR. Approval of Draft Direction No. 101 enforcing fuel sales only against a valid PUCC . Review of wheat‑stubble burning spikes: Punjab reported 8,986 incidents (up from 6,474 in 2025) and Haryana 3,290 incidents (up from 1,503). Expansion of the CAAQMS network to a total of 157 stations (46 new stations across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan). Reconstitution of the Sub‑Committee on ‘Monitoring and Identification’ under Section 11(2) of the CAQM Act, 2021. Adoption of greening targets: 4.60 crore trees, shrubs and bamboo to be planted across NCR for 2026‑27. Review of penalties on six thermal power plants for missing biomass co‑firing targets, resulting in environmental compensation of over Rs 61.85 crore . Monitoring of the GRAP stages and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaigns. Important Facts • The paddy‑stubble ban targets complete elimination by 2026 , with state‑specific action plans already prepared. • EV‑3‑wheelers registration will be phased: Delhi from 1 Jan 2027 , high‑vehicle‑density districts from 1 Jan 2028 , and remaining NCR districts from 1 Jan 2029 . • PUCC‑based fuel dispensing becomes mandatory from 1 Oct 2026 across the entire NCR. • The revised CAAQMS density is one station per 25 sq km in Delhi and adjoining cities, and one per 50 sq km elsewhere. • Enforcement Task Force inspections have covered 27,008 sites, leading to 1,779 closure orders. UPSC Relevance The meeting underscores the interplay of environmental governance, federal‑state coordination, and policy implementation—core themes for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Environment). Understanding the legal framework (CAQM Act, 2021), the use of directives, and the role of monitoring infrastructure equips aspirants to answer questions on air‑quality management, climate‑responsive transport policies, and inter‑governmental mechanisms. Way Forward • Strict enforcement of the draft directions, especially the EV‑3‑wheelers mandate and PUCC‑based fuel sales, is essential to curb PM2.5 and NOx emissions. • Accelerated installation of the remaining CAAQMS stations will provide granular data for timely GRAP activation. • Continuous monitoring of crop‑residue burning, coupled with punitive measures, must be complemented by farmer‑friendly alternatives to ensure compliance. • Effective IEC campaigns and the digital MIS portal will aid transparent tracking of action‑plan implementation across sectors.