The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its inadequate efforts to tackle air pollution arising from stubble burning in states adjacent to Delhi. Justices Abha S Oka and Augustine George Masih highlighted the commission’s failure to effectively use its powers under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, to combat the recurring problem.
The bench criticized the CAQM for total non-compliance with the Act, questioning the effectiveness of any directives it may have issued to stakeholders. “There has been total non-compliance of the Act. Please show us a single direction issued to any stakeholder under the Act,” the justices remarked, urging the commission to demonstrate more proactive measures in reducing pollution levels.
During the session, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, outlined various initiatives, including advisories and guidelines issued to curb the practice of stubble burning. However, the court noted that these measures seemed insufficient, commenting, “It is all in the air, nothing has been shown regarding what has been done in the National Capital Region (NCR) states.”
The apex court emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure that equipment provided by the Central government to prevent stubble burning is actually being used by farmers at the grassroots level. It directed the CAQM to submit a more comprehensive compliance report and scheduled the next hearing for October 3.
CAQM Chairman Rajesh Verma, who attended the hearing virtually, mentioned his recent meetings with deputy commissioners from Punjab and Haryana—states notorious for high incidents of stubble burning. He briefed the court on the discussions aimed at enhancing local compliance with pollution control measures.
