The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval towards the state governments of Haryana and Punjab for not prosecuting violators of stubble burning laws. Even though there have been hundreds of cases of stubble burning, which causes major air pollution, both states have not done anything to stop it. The court asked, "What is the hesitation in prosecuting people?"

In a previous hearing, the court told the Haryana and Punjab governments to explain how they were following the rules given by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on June 10, 2021. However, the reports showed that not much had been done to follow those instructions.

 

Lack of action in Haryana

 

Haryana's report showed 191 cases of fires caused by stubble burning. Justice Abhay Oka was disappointed that no legal action was taken in any of these cases, even though the rules allowed it. Instead of punishing the people responsible, only small fines were collected. He also criticised the state for not setting up the systems needed to enforce the law properly. The court said that state officials who did not follow the rules should face consequences.

 

Punjab faces similar criticism

 

The court also criticised the Punjab government for not taking action. Punjab's report showed that no legal cases were started, even though there were many instances of stubble burning. The court said the government could have used the Environment Protection Act to punish those responsible, but they didn't.

Justice Oka expressed his frustration with the lack of effort from Punjab and, in return, warned that by Punjab only collecting petty fines, this practice will continue as an on-going process that further deteriorates the air quality of the region.

The court noted that both Haryana and Punjab were not following the guidelines issued in June 2021 and that the problem of air pollution has existed for years without any real solution being found, despite laws already in place to address it.

 

States ordered to explain non-compliance

 

As a result, the Supreme Court has ordered the chief secretaries of Haryana and Punjab to be present at the next court hearing scheduled for the following Wednesday to explain why their governments have not taken proper action. The court further directed CAQM to initiate action against the officers of the states for non-compliance. Further, the Central Government shall place its report on whether the directions by CAQM are being followed.

 

What is stubble burning?

 

Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to the leftover crop residue, especially after harvesting paddy and wheat. This method is commonly used in areas like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where machines used for harvesting leave behind straw stubble. Farmers burn the stubble from September to November to prepare the fields for the next crop.

 

Effects of stubble burning

 

Stubble burning causes pollution by releasing harmful gases like methane and carbon monoxide into the air, creating smog. It also damages the soil by destroying nutrients and moisture, making the land less fertile.