The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to Punjab and Haryana, urging them to formulate a time-bound plan to combat stubble burning from January 1 to September 1, 2024. Emphasizing the severity of farm fires as a “serious problem,” the NGT acknowledged a decline in incidents but stressed the need for immediate preparations.
In a recent hearing prompted by a newspaper report on rising air pollution due to crop residue burning in Punjab, the NGT, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, referred to a Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) report. The report highlighted 36,632 farm fire incidents in Punjab, with 2,285 occurring between September 15 and November 28 this year.
The bench, including Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, noted a decrease in farm fire incidents. According to the report, Haryana reported no farm fires, and only 18 incidents were recorded in Punjab on November 28.
Citing district-wise cumulative data, the bench highlighted Sangrur district in Punjab with the highest number of stubble burning incidents (5,352), and Fatehabad district in Haryana with 476 incidents between September 15 and November 16.
The NGT stressed the recurring issue of paddy residue burning and called for a comprehensive plan and remedial action for 2024. It directed both states to prepare a detailed action plan, disclosing phase-wise proposed actions, accountable authorities, and preventive measures.
The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on January 19, with Punjab’s counsel assuring the submission of an action plan within six weeks.
