Punjab and Haryana governments face backlash from Supreme Court over Delhi air pollution

The SC mentioned the increase in stubble-burning incidents in both states and described it as “absolute defiance” of the CAQM.

The Supreme Court pointed out the increase in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana. It blamed the states’ governments over Delhi’s air pollution, calling it “absolute defiance” of the CAQM. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court hit out at the Punjab and Haryana governments for their failure to take practical actions against stubble burning, contributing to worsening air pollution in Delhi and nearby regions during the winter months.

SC lashes out at Punjab and Haryana governments.

The Supreme Court has lashed out at the Punjab and Haryana governments over worsening air pollution in Delhi and nearby regions during winter. SC highlighted the increase in stubble-burning incidents in both states, describing it as an “absolute defiance” of the Commission of Air Quality Management’s orders (CAQM). The apex court summoned the Haryana chief secretary to appear on October 23 and strongly criticized the central government panel responsible for overseeing air pollution in Delhi, calling it a “toothless wonder” and expressing disappointment over its failure to implement directives. Justice AS Oka said, “We see that the affidavit by Haryana is full of non-compliance. We direct Commission to take penal action against State Officers under Section 14. We direct Chief Secretary Mr Prasad to be physically present on next Wednesday. Commission will make statement about coercive action taken against State officials. Chief Secretary holds an explanation to court not only for non-compliance but also for not taking stringent action against violators.”

Experts blame a toxic cocktail of smoke from paddy fields in both states.

Experts blame a toxic cocktail of smoke from paddy fields in Punjab and Haryana, local pollutants like localized dust, vehicular emissions, and geographical and climatic factors such as glacially slow surface-level winds during the winter and dipping temperatures for the air emergency. The increased pollution can also be attributed to administrative inaction, particularly by the governments of Haryana and Punjab, which have been unable to curb the menace spread by stubble-burning.