NGT expresses concerns and scrutinizes stubble burning crisis: Dissatisfaction, Doubts, and Ongoing judicial review

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing stubble burning crisis, asserting that even without immediate intervention, incidents are expected to decrease in December. However, the NGT expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of visible improvement, questioning the efficacy of its own orders and those issued by the Supreme Court.

Raising suspicions about the sincerity of efforts, the NGT questioned whether settlement images could be manipulated, casting doubt on the authenticity of reported actions. The Punjab government claimed swift action within 48 hours against stubble burning, but the NGT criticized the delay, deeming the timeframe excessive.

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Highlighting a meager number of FIRs filed (829 out of over 33,000 incidents), the NGT questioned the absence of uniform policy enforcement. It further inquired about the selective treatment of those involved in stubble burning, emphasizing disparities in dealing with individuals.

Accusing Punjab of becoming a hotspot for pollution, the NGT questioned the opposition to satellite images, emphasizing their reliability in assessing ground realities. Expressing disappointment in the lack of 100% compliance with its orders, the NGT criticized the reported adverse health effects, particularly on vulnerable groups like the elderly and pregnant women.

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While the Punjab government cited Supreme Court acknowledgment of stubble burning beyond Punjab, the NGT emphasized Punjab’s major role in contributing to pollution. The NGT stated that Punjab had not taken adequate steps to prevent stubble burning and raised concerns about selective actions against violators.

The next hearing on the stubble burning issue at the NGT is scheduled for November 29, signaling ongoing judicial scrutiny. The NGT also questioned the expenses incurred for subsidizing machines, with Punjab claiming to have distributed over 11,000 machines.

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Despite Punjab’s claim of a 60% reduction in stubble burning incidents compared to the previous year, the NGT disagreed, highlighting the widespread and persistent nature of the issue. Accusing Punjab of failing in its administration to completely stop stubble burning, the NGT noted the unsuccessful efforts thus far.

Expressing concern about the lack of improvement in air quality, even after its orders on November 8, the NGT questioned ongoing construction activities in Delhi, a major contributor to pollution. The Delhi government mentioned receiving a report from IIT Mumbai regarding smog towers, which is currently under review.

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The NGT continued to question the gap between authorities’ claims of taking action and the persistently poor air quality, reprimanding the Delhi government on issues related to electronic buses.

The NGT sought data on pollution from regular buses, the number of electronic buses on the roads, and the time frame for deploying 10,000 electronic buses. Additionally, the NGT questioned the motives behind the government’s report on 602 ready-to-run buses and sought clarification on fuel types. The NGT also inquired about the number of electronic buses purchased in November, indicating a thorough examination of various facets of the pollution crisis.