India

NGT Member Claims Stubble Burning In Punjab Not A Major Contributor To Delhi Air Pollution – Here’s Why

The Supreme Court has consistently taken a strict stance on air pollution, frequently reprimanding state governments for their handling of the issue. Stubble burning is often cited as a major cause of pollution. However, during a conference on eco-friendly farming, NGT member Justice Sudhir Agarwal claimed that stubble burning in Punjab is not responsible for air pollution in Delhi.

Criticized Fines Imposed on Farmers

Justice Agarwal condemned the practice of fining farmers and incarcerating them for stubble burning, calling it a grave injustice. He emphasized that no scientific study supports the claim that stubble burning in Punjab significantly contributes to Delhi’s pollution. He called for in-depth research to identify the real causes of air pollution in the region.

Shared Responsibility for Air Pollution

Agarwal stressed that addressing Delhi’s air pollution is a shared responsibility. Targeting farmers alone, imposing fines, and jailing them is unjust. Known for his historic decisions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, Justice Agarwal highlighted the crucial role of farmers in environmental protection. He emphasized the importance of maintaining surface soil and adopting sustainable farming methods, noting that agriculture is intrinsically linked to the environment and thus farmers must help preserve greenery.

Also read: Delhi Excise Policy Case: Court Extends Judicial Custody For Manish Sisodia And K Kavita

Reflections on His NGT Tenure

Justice Sudhir Agarwal recalled his three-year tenure at the NGT, where he was frequently told that stubble burning caused pollution. He noted that 20-25 years ago, stubble burning was not blamed for air pollution. He pointed out that Punjab does not border Delhi but shares borders with Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, he mentioned that specific wind speeds and directions would be necessary to carry the supposed polluted air from Punjab to the national capital.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

PM Carney Vows To Defend Canadian Economy Against Trump’s Tariff Threat

PM Mark Carney reaffirmed his government’s resolve to shield Canadian industries from the impact of…

36 mins ago

NSA Doval Rebukes Foreign Media Over Misreporting Of ‘Operation Sindoor’

At the 62nd IIT-Madras convention, NSA Ajit Doval condemned foreign media coverage of Operation Sindoor,…

1 hour ago

Gautam Adani: ‘Spine Is Both Medical Miracle & Corporate Necessity For Self-Belief’

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani emphasised the significance of the human spine both medically and…

1 hour ago

Still Choosing Each Other: Divyanka-Vivek Celebrate 9 Years Of Togetherness

Divyanka and Vivek celebrate 9 years of togetherness, also sharing a special message that they…

2 hours ago

Anil Kumble Backs Nitish Kumar Reddy; Urges India To Stay Consistent With Team Selection

Former India captain Anil Kumble praised Nitish Kumar Reddy for his impactful performance on Day…

4 hours ago

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla To Begin Return From ISS On July 14; Confirms Axiom Space

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station, will begin his return journey…

4 hours ago