NGT directs Punjab to submit new action plan to tackle pollution from stubble burning

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently directed the government of Punjab to submit a revised action plan for the mitigation of air pollution due to stubble burning in the State..A coram of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel found that the plan earlier submitted by the government lacked a definitive time schedule."Further, there are no proper linkages/ manifest system between ex- in situ management. As directed in earlier orders of the Tribunal, unless Area or Block by Block monitoring of management is done, it will be difficult to keep fire incidences under control," the NGT added in its order dated January 19, 2024..The NGT was hearing a matter it had taken up suo motu on October 20, 2023 based on a news report highlighting a spike in air pollution in Punjab due to stubble burning.On November 29, 2023, the tribunal had directed the States of Punjab as well as Haryana to prepare a time bound action plan disclosing phase-wise action proposed from January 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024 which may include various preventive steps for the next year.In terms of these directions, the State of Punjab filed an action plan. However, the NGT found it lacking. .The tribunal underlined that one of the main reasons for stubble burning was the small window farmers get between reaping the harvest and sowing. "This short period forces the farmers to burn the stubble which is left in the ground after harvesting. Therefore, there is an immediate requirement to handle the stubble and its removal at the earliest so that the farmers do not resort to stubble burning for cleaning the field," the NGT observed..Accordingly, the NGT suggested framing a more comprehensive plan with the following specific components:1. Assessment: Use of satellite images, drone surveys, and physical mapping by August-September to evaluate the agriculture farm area, identifying the extent of stubble generated. Each farm should be given a unique ID, linked to the receiver for further processing.2. Mechanical removal of stubble: Mobilization of government agencies to deploy mechanical stubble removers tailored for large, medium, and small farms immediately after harvest.3. Processing of stubble: Agencies for in situ or ex situ processing, using eco-friendly technologies, including bio-digestion, composting, fodder, and briquetting. Acceleration of the Bio-Decomposer approach, identifying areas for application.4. Monitoring and surveillance: Establishment of a stringent monitoring and enforcement mechanism, involving inter-departmental coordination and police force. Imposition of penalties on violators and maintenance of a database of violations.5. Hotspot monitoring: Identification and monitoring of areas vulnerable to stubble burning, implementing strict enforcement mechanisms.6. Analysis: Periodic air quality analysis during harvesting and post-harvesting seasons. Installation of ambient air quality monitoring stations at hotspots.7. Remedial action: Based on analysis, satellite images, and other inputs, immediate action on farm fires. This would require fire dosing equipment, water tankers, and manpower. Agriculture universities and colleges may be engaged for assistance..Further, the NGT said that the State should submit periodical reports indicating effective implementation of the action plan.With these suggestions, the tribunal directed the State of Punjab to file a fresh action taken report along with an amended action plan at least a week before the next hearing on March 22, 2024..[Read Order]