Government
Permanent CAQM Cell for Paddy Stubble Management in Mohali
Introduction
To tackle air pollution and improve crop practices, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has created a new permanent cell in Mohali, Punjab.

Introduction
To tackle air pollution and improve crop practices, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has created a new permanent Paddy Stubble Management cell in Mohali, Punjab. This cell is dedicated to managing paddy stubble all year round, instead of just during the burning season. The decision comes as a response to ongoing problems with air quality, especially in North India during the winter months when stubble burning peaks.
The New CAQM Cell
Located at the Kisan Vikas Chamber in Kalkat Bhawan, the CAQM cell is a major step forward. This new center replaces the temporary Paddy Stubble Management Cell (PSMC) that operated from October 1 to November 30, 2024. The temporary setup only focused on urgent problems during harvest time and did not have long-term goals.
The Punjab Government helped set up the permanent cell by providing the necessary infrastructure and support. Building a year-round facility shows a commitment to tackling the serious issue of paddy stubble burning, which leads to poor air quality and health issues.
Key Functions of the CAQM Cell
The CAQM Cell has several important responsibilities in managing the lifecycle of paddy straw in Punjab and Haryana:
- Planning and Coordination: Create specific strategies for managing paddy residue at both district and state levels.
- Farmer Engagement: Conduct awareness campaigns, training programs, and provide incentives to help farmers adopt better stubble management practices.
- Stakeholder Interaction: Coordinate with Agriculture Departments, local government bodies, private companies, and procurement agencies.
- Supply Chain Oversight: Manage logistics for delivering paddy straw to facilities like biomass power plants, bio-CNG units, and paper mills.
- Enforcement and Compliance: Work closely with enforcement teams to ensure compliance and proper reporting during harvest time.
This comprehensive approach will allow for faster responses to stubble burning issues through better coordination and data use.
Wider Air Pollution Control Efforts
The CAQM Cell will not only focus on paddy stubble but also work on broader air pollution issues. Key areas of focus include:
- Thermal Power Plants: Supervise biomass co-firing to reduce fossil fuel use and turn stubble into energy.
- Regional Air Quality: Monitor air pollution levels in Haryana’s districts that suffer from crop burning, even if they are far from Delhi.
- Sustainable Sector Coordination: Collaborate with pollution control boards, industries, and transport departments for better air quality management.
A Shift in Policy
The start of the CAQM Cell marks a new policy direction. Previously, efforts were mainly focused on short-term solutions during the crop burning season in October and November. Experts have said we need continuous planning and actions throughout the year to effectively reduce pollution.
The new CAQM Cell will promote the use of paddy straw in productive ways. This includes turning stubble into biofuels, packaging materials, or even animal fodder. By keeping a close watch all year, the cell aims to greatly reduce the last-minute burning of stubble. It also aims to find economic uses for leftover crop materials.
Impact on Health and Environment
Burning paddy straw adds to dangerous pollution levels in North India, especially with Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These particles can cause serious health problems in places like Delhi-NCR. The CAQM Cell supports India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) goals. It aims to reduce carbon and methane emissions from agriculture, leading to a healthier environment.
This setup promotes cooperation between Punjab and Haryana, the two largest rice-producing states. Both states contribute significantly to pollution from stubble burning, so joint efforts could lead to better results.
Future Outlook
The new CAQM Cell in Mohali has the potential to greatly improve air quality and farming practices in these regions. Its focused approach might serve as a model for other states that struggle with crop residue burning.
If successful, this initiative could inspire national policies aimed at sustainable agriculture, waste management, and increasing jobs in rural areas. Overall, it signals a thoughtful shift towards better environmental practices.
Conclusion
In summary, the Dedicated CAQM Cell in Mohali is paving the way for effective, year-round management of paddy stubble. This strategic move involves farmers, government departments, and local industries. It aims to create a cleaner environment for everyone, while also promoting smarter farming practices. By working together, Punjab and Haryana can address the challenges of air pollution and ensure a better future for all residents.
Government
Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads in Panchkula
Improving Roads in Panchkula
On Monday, Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, made an important announcement.

Improving Roads in Panchkula
On Monday, Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini ordered the construction of new roads in Panchkula district. These roads will replace the old, dusty “kutcha” roads and benefit 19 villages in the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka.
Panchkula is about 20 kilometers from Chandigarh. This makes it an important link between Haryana and Punjab. The new roads will help make travel easier for many people living in the region.
Details of the Road Projects
The Chief Minister has directed that a total of 61 kilometers of roads be paved. Each of these roads will be 12 feet wide. This width will help ensure smooth traffic flow for both locals and visitors.
- The road upgrades include:
- Panipat-Safidon (41 km)
- Safidon-Jind (21.65 km)
- Saha Chowk-Panchkula-Yamunanagar (four-lane road)
- Saha Chowk-Kalpi
- Tohana-Ratia
These upgrades will not only make travel easier but also improve safety for everyone using the roads.
Additional Road Projects
Beyond the 61 kilometers of paver block roads, Saini has asked officials to speed up work on several more road projects in Panchkula. These include:
- Thapali Badisher-Koti (1.68 km)
- Pinjore Mallah-Mangniwala (1.20 km)
- Gobindpur-Thathar (5.35 km)
These projects aim to enhance connectivity in Panchkula and support the growing population.
Next Steps for the Construction
During a review meeting with officials from the public works and forest departments, Saini emphasized the need for timely action. He instructed that work should begin quickly after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the forest department. This certificate is necessary for construction in areas with trees and wildlife.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Gupta, and Additional Chief Secretary (PWD), Anurag Agarwal, were present at the meeting. They discussed strategies to ensure that the projects are completed efficiently and on time.
Background on Panchkula
Panchkula is not just another town. It is part of the larger region around Chandigarh, which is known to be one of the cleanest cities in India. Cleaner cities often produce better living conditions and infrastructure for nearby areas, like Panchkula. The development of new roads will help improve civic services and support the needs of residents.
The Impact of Better Roads
Better roads mean more than just smoother driving. They connect communities, help businesses grow, and make it easier for people to access education and healthcare. For the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka, these roads will make it easier for residents to travel to nearby towns and cities.
Local farmers can transport their goods more easily. This can lead to increased sales and better incomes. Students will also find it easier to reach schools and colleges. Parents will have less worry about how their children get to school.
The Future of Infrastructure in Haryana
The move to replace kutcha roads with paver blocks is part of a larger plan. The Haryana government is focusing on improving rural infrastructure. This effort aims to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for people living in these areas.
As more projects like this are developed, the future looks bright for the communities in Haryana. Residents can look forward to better roads, stronger connections, and improved services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads, marking a positive step for Panchkula. The construction of 61 kilometers of new paver block roads will greatly benefit the region. With prompt action and good planning, these improvements will help transform the lives of many people living in the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka.
Government
Punjab CM Urges Centre to Use Chenab River Water
Punjab CM’s Call for Chenab River Water Usage
On August 5, 2025, Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi. Mann requested the Centre to u

Punjab CM’s Call for Chenab River Water Usage
Punjab CM urges centre to use water from the Chenab River during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi on August 5, 2025. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that this water could help resolve the long-standing sharing dispute with Haryana. He also requested the cancellation of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project.
Meetings and Proposals
During their meeting, Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present. Mann recalled a previous meeting on July 9, where the Union government mentioned that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan was suspended. This change opens up the chance for India to utilize water from the Chenab River, which was previously allocated to Pakistan.
Proposal to Divert Chenab Water
Mann suggested that water from the Chenab should be directed to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra. However, new canals and infrastructure will need to be built in Punjab to transport this water. He emphasized that these canals will first meet Punjab’s water needs. Afterward, the same canals can supply water to Haryana and Rajasthan.
Benefits of Using Chenab Water
Using water from the Chenab will lessen Punjab’s dependence on groundwater. This is important, as Punjab faces serious issues with groundwater depletion. By using Chenab water, surface irrigation can be revived, which is crucial for farmers. Farming is vital to Punjab’s economy, and saving groundwater is essential for future generations.
- Punjab needs 52 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, but it only has 26.75 MAF.
- This includes 12.46 MAF from surface water and 14.29 MAF from groundwater.
- Utilizing Chenab water can provide significant support to agriculture.
Call for Action on SYL Project
Mann firmly reiterated his request to shelve the SYL project. He proposed that a different project should be prioritized instead. This project would use surplus water from the Sharda River to benefit the Yamuna River and divert Chenab water to the Beas River through the Rohtang tunnel.
This approach would eliminate the need for the SYL canal. Mann believes that transferring surplus water from the Sharda to the Yamuna should move forward. This would help meet Haryana’s water needs from a different source.
Water Allocation for Punjab
Mann also said that future agreements should include Punjab in allocating Yamuna waters. He noted that the government signed a memorandum of understanding on May 12, 1994, and it requires review after 2025.
Mann argued that Punjab should receive 60 percent of the Yamuna’s surplus water. He reminded everyone that Haryana has access to additional water sources. This includes receiving around 2.703 MAF from many local rivers.
- Haryana gets water from:
- Ghaggar River
- Tangri Nadi
- Markanda River
- Saraswati Nadi
- Chautang-Rakshi
- Nai Nalah
- Sahibi Nadi
- Krishna Dhuan
- Landoha Nalah
All these sources need to be considered when deciding future water sharing between Punjab and Haryana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Punjab CM urges the Centre to consider using Chenab River water as a sustainable solution to Punjab’s water crisis. He believes this move will benefit farmers, conserve vital groundwater resources, and reduce the state’s dependency on underground sources. Cancelling the SYL project and exploring alternative water-sharing methods can help Punjab and Haryana achieve a fair and long-term resolution. This approach emphasizes the need for equitable sharing and sustainable water management for the future of both regions.
Government
Punjab Minister Mundia Reviews Storm Waterline Project in Mohali
Important Project in Mohali
The storm waterline project in Phase 11, Mohali, is a big step towards solving rainwater problems in the area.

Important Project in Mohali
The storm waterline project in Phase 11, Mohali, is a big step towards solving rainwater problems in the area. With a budget of Rs 2.05 crore, the project aims to prevent water from flooding homes during the rainy season. Recently, Punjab’s Water Supply and Sanitation Minister reviews storm waterline project to assess progress and ensure timely completion.
Visit from Minister Mundia
Punjab’s Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundia, visited the project site on Monday. He wanted to see how much work had been done. Also present was Dr. S S Ahluwalia, who is the AAP Punjab general secretary and the chairman of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
Progress Made
During the visit, Minister Mundia shared important updates. He said, “A significant portion of the work has already been completed.” This means that the area is seeing good changes during this monsoon season. Heavy rains used to create big problems, with water flooding many homes and causing damage. Now, the project aims to bring permanent relief to the families living there.
Future Plans
Mundia is hopeful about finishing the remaining work soon. He directed the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete everything within the next 45 days. This is crucial as the monsoon season can bring heavy rain, and families need protection from flooding.
Understanding the Problem
For years, residents in Phase 11 have faced serious issues due to rainwater flooding. The area did not have good drainage systems to take away water during heavy rains. This led to homes and streets becoming flooded, creating stress and damage.
Importance of the Storm Waterline
This storm waterline project is very important for the local community. Here are some reasons why:
- Prevent Water Accumulation: The project helps to drain rainwater quickly.
- Protect Homes: It will stop flooding from damaging houses.
- Improve Living Conditions: Less waterlogging means safer and cleaner streets.
By implementing this project, the government shows its commitment to improving life in the community.
Conclusion
The storm waterline project in Phase 11 is a positive change for Mohali residents. As Minister Mundia reviews storm waterline project progress, people can expect a safer and more flood-resistant future. Hopefully, the remaining work will be completed soon, allowing families to enjoy a dry and flood-free monsoon this year.
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