Amidst the relentless haze of smog engulfing parts of Delhi, with the air quality in the national capital persistently dwelling in the ‘severe’ category, the Supreme Court issued stern words directed at the Punjab government regarding the issue of stubble burning. The apex court emphasized the impracticality of perpetually engaging in a political battle, asserting that the practice of stubble burning must cease forthwith. In no uncertain terms, it conveyed, “We want it (stubble burning) stopped. We don’t know how you do it, it’s your job. But it must be stopped. Something has to be done immediately.”
A bench of distinguished judges, comprising Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, presiding over air pollution cases, instructed the states of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to immediately halt stubble burning. Furthermore, it entrusted the responsibility of ensuring the implementation of this directive to the respective chief secretaries and directors general of police. Justice Kaul, who traversed Punjab during the weekend, expressed his concern upon witnessing extensive fires along both sides of the road.
The court, in its wisdom, also shifted responsibility to the central government, suggesting the cessation of support for the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy in Punjab and instead advocated for strategies to encourage farmers to diversify into alternative crops.
“Why not promote millets?” queried the court.
The proceedings were adjourned until Friday.
On Monday, Punjab reported over 2,000 instances of farm fires, while various regions of Haryana grappled with air quality indices classified as ‘severe’ and ‘very poor.’ Meanwhile, in border areas, air quality was characterized as ‘poor.’ Stubbornly, farmers persisted in setting crop residue ablaze, with Punjab recording an additional 2,060 incidents of stubble burning, raising the cumulative count to 19,463 as per data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre in Ludhiana.
From November 1 to November 6, these instances accounted for 61% of the total incidents in the ongoing season, reflecting a significant concern. Notably, the total number of stubble-burning cases in this year’s span from September 15 to November 6 was 35% lower than the corresponding period in the preceding year. The state had reported 32,734 farm fires during the same timeframe in 2021.
Concurrently, Haryana experienced deteriorating air quality, with Fatehabad recording an air quality index (AQI) of 425. In Punjab, Amritsar registered an AQI of 329, while Union Territory Chandigarh posted an AQI of 149.
The detrimental practice of paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana continues to be a leading contributor to the alarming escalation of air pollution levels in Delhi during October and November.
In a separate directive, the Supreme Court urged Rajasthan and other states to adhere to its earlier orders regarding firecrackers during festive seasons. The court underscored the duty of the Rajasthan government and other states to take measures to mitigate air pollution, particularly during festivities. It emphasized the shared responsibility of all in managing pollution.
“When it comes to pollution, there is a misconception that it is solely the court’s duty. However, it should be everyone’s responsibility,” the court remarked.
(With inputs from agencies)
