Haryana’s government has secured World Bank backing to intensify its fight against air pollution, focusing on eliminating stubble burning by 2025. The comprehensive plan includes promoting biomass pellets in kilns, expanding electric vehicle use, and implementing dust control measures in the NCR. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi detailed the strategy at a recent CAQM meeting.
Haryana Unveils Robust Anti-Pollution Strategy with Global Support
Haryana has taken a significant step toward cleaner air with a World Bank-supported action plan to combat air pollution, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR). Unveiled on June 14, 2025, by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi during a Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) meeting, the strategy targets the elimination of paddy stubble burning by the end of 2025, a major contributor to the region’s hazardous air quality.
The state anticipates generating 85.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy straw from 41.37 lakh acres of cultivation this year. To address this, Haryana is adopting a dual approach of incentives and regulations. Financial support is being provided to farmers to discourage stubble burning, coupled with strict enforcement measures. Rastogi emphasized that the state is “fully geared up” to achieve a stubble-burning-free Haryana by the end of 2025, a move hailed by CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma as a “data-driven, time-bound, and financially backed roadmap.”
A key component of the plan involves mandating the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets in brick kilns, particularly in non-NCR districts. Under CAQM Direction No. 92, kilns must achieve 20% biomass usage by November 2025, scaling up to 50% by November 2028. This initiative, approved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, will be supported by a Standard Operating Procedure to be issued within weeks, ensuring sustainable waste management.
To tackle dust pollution, a major issue in the NCR, Haryana is implementing robust measures. All road-owning agencies are tasked with developing model road stretches aligned with CAQM’s Standard Framework to minimize dust from roads and open areas. The state has also deployed advanced technologies, including mechanical road sweeping machines and anti-smog guns, to control particulate matter. The Directorate of Urban Local Bodies recently conducted training programs with inputs from CAQM, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, and organizations like Jana Urban Space and Raahgiri Foundation.
Haryana’s plan also promotes cleaner transport. The state is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and BS-VI compliant vehicles in the NCR, with a focus on replacing diesel-based commercial vehicles. This aligns with broader efforts in neighboring Delhi, where only BS-VI, CNG, or electric vehicles will be allowed entry from November 1, 2025. Additionally, Haryana is exploring innovative solutions like cloud seeding, inspired by Delhi’s planned artificial rain trials in July 2025, to mitigate pollution during peak winter months.
The World Bank’s involvement, formalized in June 2025, provides critical financial and technical support. While specific funding details for Haryana were not disclosed, the Bank’s recent $640 million commitment to Bangladesh’s air quality and energy projects indicates its focus on regional environmental challenges. Haryana’s plan aligns with India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming for a 40% reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 2025–26 in non-attainment cities like those in the NCR.
The state’s multi-pronged strategy has garnered praise for its holistic approach. Senior CAQM members, including Dr. Virinder Sharma and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, attended the Chandigarh meeting, alongside Haryana’s top officials like Additional Chief Secretary for Environment Anand Mohan Sharan and HSPCB Chairman Vineet Garg. Rastogi’s prior state-level review ensured all departments submitted action plans for 2025–26 with clear financial commitments, reinforcing accountability.
Haryana’s efforts come at a critical time, as air pollution remains a public health crisis across North India. With stubble burning contributing over 45% to Delhi’s pollution during winter, Haryana’s commitment to eliminating this practice could significantly improve regional air quality. The state’s collaboration with global institutions like the World Bank underscores its determination to address this pressing issue.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Haryana government and CAQM. Information is sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu, The Statesman, and The Tribune, with additional context from World Bank announcements. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.