In a recent hearing at the Supreme Court regarding air pollution in Delhi, the court expressed deep concern over the deteriorating air quality, likening the situation to a state of emergency. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was reprimanded for failing to take effective measures against crop burning, a significant contributor to pollution.
Despite a reported 50% decrease in incidents of stubble burning over the past four years, the issue remains prevalent. According to CAQM data, instances of stubble burning dropped from 87,632 in 2020 to 39,186 in 2023.
During the hearing, the court questioned CAQM’s effectiveness, asking why there hasn’t been a notable reduction in stubble burning and why meetings have not been held regularly. The court criticized CAQM for merely issuing directives on paper and for being passive in its approach to addressing the pollution crisis.
The court emphasized that without clear communication regarding strict penalties for law violations, regulatory provisions would remain ineffective.
Previously, on August 27, the court pointed out that insufficient staffing at the Delhi-NCR Pollution Control Board hampered effective operations. It ordered five states to fill vacant positions by April 30, 2025, to combat pollution more effectively.
The bench, comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice A.G. Masih, highlighted that CAQM has only issued 82 legal orders in its three years of existence, which they deemed insufficient for addressing such a grave issue.
CAQM’s Defense: Over 10,000 Factories Targeted
Rajesh Verma, the chairperson of CAQM, claimed that their team has conducted inspections at 19,000 locations, ordering the closure of over 10,000 factories. However, the court insisted that more proactive measures are necessary to see real progress in pollution reduction.
Established in 2021, CAQM was tasked with addressing the escalating pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region.
Court’s Remarks on Government Actions
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG), Aishwarya Bhati, presented a status report from the central government detailing steps taken to mitigate the stubble burning crisis. However, the court appeared dissatisfied with these measures. Justice Oka remarked, “Everything seems to be in the air. We have not been informed about the actions taken by NCR states.”
Continued Criticism of Punjab and Delhi Governments
In previous hearings, the Supreme Court questioned the Punjab and Delhi governments about their plans to tackle pollution. The court expressed sympathy for farmers who face vilification for crop burning, emphasizing that they may have valid reasons for their actions. It urged the Punjab government to provide financial assistance to farmers to discourage stubble burning.
The court has noted that the past November was the most polluted on record over the last six years and reiterated that it is the government’s responsibility to solve this crisis.
Urgent Measures Needed Against Stubble Burning
The court directed the AAP governments of Delhi and Punjab to take stringent action against stubble burning, as it significantly contributes to Delhi’s pollution levels.
This isn’t the first instance where the Supreme Court has highlighted the tendency to blame farmers for pollution while neglecting their viewpoints in hearings. The court insisted that Punjab should offer assistance to farmers, learning from Haryana’s successful initiatives.
Punjab’s Response to the Court
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of Punjab informed the court that they have filed over 1,000 FIRs against stubble burners, imposing fines totaling ₹2 crore. He acknowledged public protests against their efforts to extinguish crop fires, describing it as a law-and-order issue.
Future Actions and Learning from Haryana
Haryana has implemented an effective ex-situ management policy for crop residue, allowing for the management of agricultural waste outside the fields. This policy has enabled the conversion of rice straw into electricity, biogas, and other products, providing farmers with subsidies for necessary equipment.
As winter approaches, the air quality in Delhi is expected to worsen, prompting the Supreme Court to schedule the next hearing for December 7 to reassess the situation and ensure compliance with its directives.
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