Despite criticism from the Supreme Court, incidents of stubble burning have been reported in Punjab and Haryana. Farmers in these regions continue the practice, which contributes significantly to air pollution in North India. The Supreme Court has previously condemned stubble burning due to its harmful impact on the environment and public health. However, challenges remain in effectively curbing this seasonal issue.
New Delhi: Despite the Supreme Court’s stern criticism of the Haryana and Punjab governments for not taking adequate measures, multiple incidents of stubble burning were reported in both states. On Friday, such incidents were noted in Kaithal district and along the Karnal-Jind road.
Similar occurrences were observed in Hardo Putli village in Amritsar and in Handiaya village in Barnala, Punjab.
The practice of burning crop residues in fields significantly contributes to rising air pollution, resulting in hazardous smoke emissions that severely impact air quality.
On October 23, the Supreme Court criticized the Haryana and Punjab governments for their inaction on stubble burning, highlighting that citizens have a fundamental right to a clean, pollution-free environment.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Augustine George Masih, expressed disappointment over the states’ lack of enforcement, noting that,
“If the Punjab and Haryana governments were genuinely interested in enforcing the law, there would have been at least one prosecution.”
The Court observed that only nominal fines were imposed on offenders, reflecting a lack of serious measures.
While scheduling the air pollution case post-Diwali to address issues like pollution from transport, industrial activities in Delhi, entry of heavy trucks, and open garbage burning, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini highlighted his government’s efforts, noting they are offering Rs. 1,000 per acre to farmers who refrain from burning stubble to help address air quality concerns in Delhi-NCR.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said,
“Our government is providing Rs. 1,000 per acre to discourage stubble burning, and we are actively working to increase this amount,”
Saini noted that various facilities have been set up for effective stubble management, adding that the Supreme Court has previously recognized the state’s efforts.
“I recently instructed officials to consider raising the subsidy and ensure necessary equipment is available to farmers.”
Meanwhile, on October 21, Punjab farmers urged the government to find a permanent solution, stating that stubble burning remains a compulsion for them.
Stubble burning, a practice where farmers set fire to the leftover straw and crop residue after harvest, continues in Punjab and Haryana despite clear criticism from the Supreme Court. The practice is commonly used by farmers to quickly and cost-effectively clear fields for the next planting cycle, but it contributes heavily to air pollution, particularly in North India.
Each year, stubble burning adds to the seasonal pollution spike across the region, impacting air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas. The resulting smog includes harmful pollutants that exacerbate respiratory issues, making this a public health concern.
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