The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized Punjab and Haryana for failing to effectively handle the problem of stubble burning, which significantly worsens air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. On Wednesday, the court summoned the Chief Secretaries of both states to explain why strict measures haven’t been enforced against violators.
Key Points Raised by the Court
- Lack of Enforcement: The court pointed out that despite satellite data from ISRO showing fire locations, state authorities have taken minimal action, often letting offenders off with small fines instead of prosecutions.
- CAQM’s Role: The court referred to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as a “toothless tiger,” criticizing its inability to ensure compliance with anti-pollution directives.
- Financial Support for Farmers: Punjab was specifically called out for not seeking central government funds to help farmers adopt eco-friendly alternatives, like providing equipment to manage crop residue without burning it.
Summons and Next Steps
The Chief Secretary of Haryana must appear in court next Wednesday to justify the state’s inaction, and Punjab’s officials are expected to present their plan to comply with orders. The Supreme Court has also directed CAQM to take stricter actions against state officers who fail to enforce measures.
The Bigger Problem
Stubble burning during the harvest season releases pollutants that worsen air quality in North India, especially in Delhi. The court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for states to act decisively to reduce this practice and support farmers in finding sustainable solutions.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
