On Wednesday, the Supreme Court summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana, reprimanding both states for their failure to act against stubble burning – a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
The court expressed concern over the lack of prosecution and minimal penalties imposed for violations, questioning why authorities in both states have not taken stricter actions despite clear directives.
Justice Abhay S Oka, leading a bench, criticized the government. The court stated, “For the past three years, you have not prosecuted a single person; you have only imposed nominal fines. Nothing has changed.”
The bench, which also included Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and AG Masih, was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning air pollution control in the national capital.
The Court’s discontent comes in response to non-compliance with guidelines set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM)
CAQM, a statutory body, is responsible for crafting strategies to reduce pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas.
The court has however instructed the initiation of punitive actions against officials who have failed to implement CAQM’s orders.
Recently, the CAQM granted District Magistrates in Punjab, Haryana, and certain areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan the authority to prosecute officials who are not enforcing stubble burning regulations.
This move aims to strengthen accountability and to also address the ongoing issue of crop residue burning, which annually exacerbates air pollution in the region.
Supreme Court Criticizes Nominal Penalties For Stubble Burning
Earlier, the Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the nominal penalties collected from farmers involved in stubble burning.
Additionally, the bench emphasized the lack of prosecution cases as a glaring issue.
The court criticized the CAQM for its passive approach. It noted that, although some steps had been taken, the measures were insufficient. Furthermore the court emphasized that the CAQM needs to be more vigil to combat pollution.
The apex court underscored the urgency of the matter and stated that the establishment of CAQM aimed to address precisely such issues, and its actions must lead to tangible reductions in air pollution.
The court further asserted that the commission must ensure that its directives result in real change on the ground.
Formed in 2020, the CAQM aims to enhance coordination and research into air quality management, focusing on the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding states.
However, despite its mandate, the region continues to suffer from severe air pollution every year, especially during the October-December period, largely due to the burning of crop stubble in Punjab and Haryana.
As pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continue to spike annually, the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need for more decisive actions from state governments and central authorities to combat this perennial problem.
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