Government Initiatives to Discourage Crop Residue Burning
Crop‑residue burning, especially of paddy straw, is a major contributor to winter smog in the Delhi‑NCR region. Recognising its impact on air quality, the MoEFCC has rolled out a suite of technical, financial and regulatory actions between 2018‑19 and 2025‑26.
Key Developments (Bullet Summary)
- Monitoring of fire events through satellite remote sensing under the CREAMS protocol.
- Implementation of the CRM scheme (central sector) offering 50% subsidy for farmers and 80% for rural entrepreneurs, cooperatives, FPOs and Panchayats.
- Creation of over 43,535 CHCs and distribution of 3.53 lakh machines across Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi.
- CAQM directions (2025) for rent‑free CRM machines, mandatory use of paddy‑straw pellets in brick kilns, and authority to file complaints against officials for non‑enforcement.
- Mandate for thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi to co‑fire 5‑10% biomass pellets (Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023).
- CPCB’s one‑time financial support for pelletisation and torrefaction plants; deployment of 31 “Flying Squads” (Oct‑Nov 2025) to monitor hotspots.
Important Facts & Figures
As of 10 March 2026, the government has released **₹ 4,237.47 crore** under the CRM scheme. More than **3.53 lakh** machines have been handed to individual farmers, and **43,535** CHCs are operational. The coordinated effort has led to a **>90 % reduction** in fire incidences during the 2025 paddy‑harvest season compared with 2022.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these measures is vital for GS III (Environment) and GS II (Polity) questions on air‑quality management, sustainable agriculture, and inter‑governmental coordination. The case illustrates:
- How central‑state synergy is institutionalised through bodies like CAQM and the CPCB.
- Use of fiscal tools (subsidies, environmental compensation) to drive behavioural change among farmers.
- Application of technology (satellite monitoring, biomass co‑firing) in environmental governance.
Way Forward
While the reduction in fire incidents is encouraging, sustained impact will require:
- Scaling up of CHCs in remaining hotspot districts.
- Strengthening supply chains for affordable biomass pellets and ensuring compliance in brick kilns and power plants.
- Continuous capacity building for farmers through IEC (Information, Education, Communication) programmes funded by the central and state governments.
- Enhanced data sharing between CPCB, CAQM and state pollution boards to enable rapid response to fire outbreaks.
Collectively, these steps aim to balance agricultural productivity with air‑quality goals, a recurring theme in UPSC’s environment and governance sections.