CAQM Serves Notices on Amritsar, Tarn Taran Officials Over Stubble Firesਪਰਾਲੀ ਸਾੜਨ 'ਤੇ ਸੀਏਕਿਊਐੱਮ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ, ਤਰਨ ਤਾਰਨ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਨੋਟਿਸ

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued notices to senior officials of Punjab's Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts, asking why action should not be taken against them for failing to curb paddy stubble burning. Their replies are due by 5 pm on October 21.

What did the CAQM notice say?

ETV Bharat, which accessed copies of the notices issued on Friday to the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police, reported that the Commission called stubble burning a matter of grave concern because of its effect on air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region. It said adequate supervision and enforcement of the state action plan had not been forthcoming, and that the continued high number of fires pointed to non-compliance with its directions.

The Commission also said some burning incidents were not being recorded through the standard protocol, and repeated its call for strict drone supervision and low-cost sensors.

How many fires have Amritsar and Tarn Taran recorded?

According to the Commission's figures cited by ETV Bharat, Amritsar reported 78 fire incidents between September 15 and October 14, up 15 per cent from 68 a year earlier. Tarn Taran reported 68, up 45 per cent from 47.

Earlier reports on CAQM data put Punjab's season total at 174 up to October 13, with 51 fires in a single day, the highest so far this paddy season; Amritsar and Tarn Taran accounted for most of them.

What penalty does the law provide?

The Commission reminded officers that non-compliance with the Act, rules or its directions is an offence punishable with up to five years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both. The notices are show-cause notices; no action has been announced yet.

What else is being done on the ground?

CAQM and Central Pollution Control Board flying squads are deployed in 18 Punjab districts from October 1 to November 30. A CAQM team led by Technical Member T.S. Panwar visited Moga and Ferozepur this week, and Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav earlier asked for closer monitoring of fires after 3 pm, naming Amritsar and Tarn Taran among priority districts. See our earlier report on the Centre's after-3 pm checks.

Why did CAQM issue notices to Amritsar and Tarn Taran?

It says fires rose sharply there compared with last year and that supervision and enforcement of the action plan fell short.

When must the officials reply?

By 5 pm on October 21, 2026.

What is the maximum penalty for non-compliance with CAQM directions?

Up to five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both, as cited in the notices.