The Supreme Court directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to file a report detailing steps to curb stubble burning, a key factor in Delhi-NCR's air pollution crisis. The order came during a hearing on air quality matters, with advocates highlighting the need for stricter measures amid worsening conditions. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 17.
On Wednesday, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran addressed ongoing concerns over air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court ordered, “We direct the state of Punjab and Haryana to file a report on what steps are being taken to curb stubble burning,” emphasizing the practice's role in deteriorating air quality.
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing some applicants, noted that Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III is currently in effect, but the severity of pollution demands activation of GRAP IV. He pointed out that construction activities persist in several areas even as the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 450, exacerbating the hazardous environment.
Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh urged the bench for an urgent detailed hearing, possibly on Thursday, stating the situation “is reaching a hazardous state.” She raised alarms about farmers in Punjab timing stubble burning to evade satellite detection, citing a NASA scientist's analysis using European and Korean satellites. According to Singh, “the crop is burnt after the satellite passes away,” and news reports suggest officials have advised farmers on avoidance tactics, potentially skewing stubble burning data.
Singh called on the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to respond, warning, “if this is true, it is alarming, then their count is also not the real count.” The directive underscores the judiciary's push for accountability in tackling seasonal pollution spikes in the national capital region.