The Supreme Court of India, in a significant move to tackle the persistent issue of air pollution in Delhi, has issued a series of directives focusing on the reduction of stubble burning, a major contributor to the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for effective measures to ensure better air quality in the upcoming winter.
During the hearing, Justice Kaul remarked,
“Let us at least endeavour to make our next winter better.”
This statement underscores the Court’s commitment to addressing the environmental crisis. The bench reviewed the minutes of a meeting chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and the action plan devised for the State Governments of Punjab and Haryana. The Court directed these states to implement the plan and submit a progress report within two months.
The affidavit filed by the State of Punjab indicated that only about 53% of the environmental compensation for stubble burning violations had been recovered. The Court noted,
“Affidavit (by Punjab government) shows 53 percent of environment cess recoveries made. It must be sped up. Point is still farm fires are still significant, all this must stop.”
Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to straw stubble after harvest, is a cheap and easy method for clearing fields but significantly contributes to air pollution.
The Court also addressed the issue of color-coded sticker schemes, directing the Delhi Government to submit a report on their implementation. Senior Advocate Vipin Sanghi raised concerns about the implementation of these schemes, leading the Court to order the Committee of Secretaries to report on the progress made by state governments in this regard.
Regarding e-waste burning, Senior Advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh requested the Court to direct the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit a report on the status of e-waste burning and the measures in place. The Court acceded to this request, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to tackle various sources of pollution.
The Supreme Court’s intervention is a crucial step in judicial monitoring to ensure that Delhi does not face the same severe air pollution scenarios next winter. The Court stated,
“We do believe that there has to be some judicial monitoring to ensure that we are not again faced with the same scenario next winter.”
This proactive approach by the judiciary is aimed at ensuring better air quality in Delhi and the surrounding regions, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels typically spike.
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for February 27, 2024. The Court’s directives and continuous monitoring signify a concerted effort to address the environmental challenges facing the region and to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.