"We want answers": Supreme Court seeks explanation on resumption of stubble burning

The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on what measures are being taken to against those who are violating restrictions on stubble burning in the country.

The Court took note of the issue in a case concerning air pollution in Delhi.

Amicus Curiae and Senior Advocate Anitha Shenoy mentioned the matter before a Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih today.

"Stubble burning has begun. I am seeking directions to the CAQM to explain why ... and what action they have taken against erring officials," she said.

"Yes, we want answers. We will have it Friday," Justice Oka replied.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the CAQM and the Central government, said the necessary information will be provided by then.

Stubble burning refers to the practice of farmers setting fire to straw stubble which remains in fields after the harvest of grains like wheat and paddy. The stubble is burnt to prepare the fields for the next set of crops. It is the easiest and cheapest way to clear the fields but leads to a drastic dip in air quality.

Stubble burning is one of several issues that the top court has been monitoring in a case dealing with the deteriorating air quality in Delhi.

Stubble burning in neighbouring States is said to be one of the biggest contributors to the air pollution.

In December last year, the Supreme Court had exhorted all stakeholders to cooperate to tackle air pollution and stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh so that the air quality index in these States during the next winter improves.

Towards this end, it had asked the Punjab government to speed up and complete its collection of environment-compensation cess imposed on farmers who violate restrictions on stubble burning, and reiterated that crop fires must stop.

It had noted that stubble burning violations and the air quality index in Delhi need constant monitoring.

In November 2023, the Court strongly suggested that the practice of stubble burning should be stopped altogether, adding that schemes like odd-even days for vehicles (a scheme initiated by the AAP-led Delhi government) to combat air pollution are mere optics.

The Court also criticised delays by the Delhi government in implementing the Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) projects, which is touted to be a more eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Later, the Court observed that registering criminal cases against farmers who burn paddy stubble is not a solution to tackle the ensuing air pollution. 

Instead, the government should consider withholding minimum support prices (MSP) to such farmers for their crops, the Court had suggested.