The Supreme Court delivered a sharp rebuke to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday, expressing dissatisfaction over its ineffective efforts to curb stubble burning in the National Capital Region and its surrounding areas. The apex court highlighted the CAQM’s failure to launch any prosecutions against the widespread agricultural practice, which significantly contributes to air pollution.
During a hearing, a bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih pointed out the Commission’s lackluster approach, noting that a recent meeting held on August 29, which was attended by only five of its 11 members, failed to even address the implementation of the court’s directives on the issue.
The court also criticized the governments of Punjab and Haryana for their lenient handling of the situation, noting that these states have imposed only nominal fines on farmers found engaging in stubble burning. This practice, prevalent during the post-harvest season, has been a major cause of deteriorating air quality in the region every year.
In a directive to the Centre and the CAQM, the Supreme Court ordered the submission of detailed affidavits explaining the actions taken to combat this environmental challenge. The affidavits are due within a week, and the matter is set for further hearing on October 16.
