Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana Worsens Delhi-NCR Air Quality

The Supreme Court of India was informed on November 11, 2023, that stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has intensified, significantly deteriorating air quality levels in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, serving as an amicus curiae, presented evidence including NASA satellite images to highlight the urgency of the situation, stating that the practice is contributing to already hazardous pollution levels in the area.

During a session led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, Singh emphasized the blatant disregard for the court’s previous orders regarding air quality management. “The apex court orders are being flouted with impunity,” she asserted, urging the bench to compel the governments of Punjab and Haryana to respond to the escalating crisis. The Chief Justice noted that the court would issue directives following a hearing scheduled for the next day.

On November 3, the Supreme Court instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an affidavit detailing actions taken to mitigate air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The bench, which also included Justice K Vinod Chandran, underscored the necessity for authorities to adopt proactive measures instead of waiting for pollution levels to reach a “severe” status.

Singh raised concerns about media reports indicating that numerous air quality monitoring stations in Delhi were non-operational during the Diwali festival. She pointed out that “out of 37 monitoring stations, only nine were functioning continuously on the day of Diwali.” The effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) could be compromised if monitoring systems are not operational, she warned.

The bench instructed the CAQM to present clear data and a comprehensive action plan to prevent pollution from escalating. “The CAQM is required to place on record an affidavit as to what steps are proposed to be taken to prevent the pollution from turning severe,” the court stated in its order.

During the hearing, the counsel for the CAQM noted that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) holds responsibility for monitoring data. Nonetheless, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured the bench that relevant agencies would provide the necessary reports.

Earlier, on October 15, the Chief Justice’s bench allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, with specific conditions aimed at balancing festive traditions with health and environmental concerns. The court stipulated that the use of green crackers would be restricted to designated hours on Diwali and the day preceding it. The sale was authorized from October 18 to 20, with the understanding that this relaxation was a “test case.”

To ensure effective monitoring, the Supreme Court mandated that the CPCB, in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards and their regional offices, track the air quality index from October 14 to October 25. The court required a report detailing daily air quality measurements during this period, along with samples of sand and water from high-density use areas for further analysis.

As the situation develops, the Supreme Court’s upcoming decisions may have significant implications for air quality management strategies in the region, highlighting the need for immediate and coordinated action from local governments and environmental agencies.