Supreme Court Urges Immediate Action to Halt Stubble Burning as Air Quality Plummets to 'Severe' Levels in the National Capital

The Supreme Court on Tuesday urged the state governments to take measures to curb the issue of stubble burning amidst the deprecating air quality of Delhi. Moreover, the SC has emphasized that the problem of air pollution in Delhi should not be converted into a political slugfest.

Every winter, the massive spike in air pollution in Delhi is exacerbated by the burning of crop residue in neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In this regard, the court has asked the state governments to take effective measures to stop stubble burning. It has urged them to act immediately to address the issue. “We want it (stubble burning) stopped. We don't know how you do it, it’s your job. But it must be stopped. Something has to be done immediately, “observed the apex court. Moreover, the SC went on to highlight the detrimental impact of the rising pollution levels, causing severe damage to people’s health.

The Supreme Court brought the Delhi government to the spot for running buses that emit pollutants. “Delhi government also must be responsible. There are many buses running that pollute and run at half capacity. You have to attend to the problem," said the SC, expressing its intention to examine vehicular emissions.

The toxic air quality in the national capital has been flagged in a case that was heard by the court, with Delhi's AQI having reached the ‘severe’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

The bench of Justice SK Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia has requested the Centre to conduct a meeting with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi to discuss ways to stop stubble burning. The court has also expressed its intention to examine vehicular emissions, which is another significant cause of air pollution in Delhi.

Advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the petitioner, stated that farm fires in Punjab have not been controlled, with stubble burning being the top contributor to the decline in Delhi's air quality. Despite the CAQM and states' claims of taking steps to control air pollution, stubble burning remains a major issue. The court has expressed that Delhi "cannot continue like this".

The court has urged Punjab and the Centre to find an alternative crop to paddy, as it is also destroying the state's water table. The issue of stubble burning and its impact on Delhi's air pollution level has become a politically charged issue in recent years. The BJP has criticized the Delhi government, questioning the effectiveness of the odd-even scheme, which they believe to be a "publicity stunt."

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