SC slams CAQM & states over rising stubble-burning incidents | Fusion - WeRIndia

On October 3, 2024, the Supreme Court of India expressed grave concerns over the rising incidents of stubble burning in northern states, particularly in Punjab and Haryana.

These incidents have significantly contributed to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi.

During a hearing, the court pointed out a substantial increase in cases compared to 2023.

It also strongly criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for failing to enforce effective measures to control this pollutant source.

Stubble burning is a major cause of the thick smog that engulfs Delhi and its surrounding regions every winter.

The court expressed dismay at the CAQM’s inaction, highlighting that no meetings had been held since August 29, despite explicit directions from the bench.

The justices labelled this a “total lack of sensitisation” to the problem and reprimanded the commission for its failure to implement the necessary regulations.

The machinery and equipment provided by the central government to assist farmers in managing crop residue were not being effectively utilized, with shortages being reported in many districts.

This has left farmers with no option but to burn the stubble, exacerbating the pollution crisis.

In its criticism, the court pointed out that only ₹1.25 lakh had been collected as Environmental Cess from violators, an amount that the bench found shockingly low given the widespread non-compliance.

The Supreme Court emphasized that merely imposing penalties without tightening enforcement would not deter offenders.

The court also directed the states of Punjab and Haryana to ensure strict adherence to CAQM’s directives.

Besides, it also called for immediate penal action against both farmers violating the regulations and district officials responsible for enforcement.

With pollution levels already on the rise and the festive season approaching, the bench stressed the urgency of taking swift action.

The court believes it will help avoid another air quality disaster in the Delhi-NCR region. Further updates on the case are expected soon as winter approaches.

Image Credit: Edal Anton Lefterov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stubble-burning-smog.jpg