India, May 11 -- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas on Saturday announced a 19-step directive for state governments to eliminate stubble burning, a key contributor to Delhi's annual winter pollution crisis.

As part of the plan, each farm across Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh must be mapped with a proposed mode of paddy stubble management.

"The management strategy may include crop diversification, in-situ methods such as mulching and use of decomposers, or ex-situ solutions like baling and biomass use," said a CAQM official, who did not wish to be named. "Each group of up to 50 farmers will be tagged to a nodal officer to ensure effective monitoring and...