Wed Nov 13 04:03:49 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Slams Punjab and Haryana for Inaction on Stubble Burning

The Supreme Court on Monday sharply criticized the governments of Punjab and Haryana for their continued failure to effectively curb stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi-NCR’s severe air pollution. The court pointed to the governments’ reluctance to prosecute farmers engaging in the practice despite flagrant breaches of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act, 2021.

The Bench, led by Justice Abhay S Oka, expressed frustration over the states’ reliance on issuing show-cause notices instead of taking direct action against violators. “How can this happen? How come this increased during Diwali? Why are you sparing your officers?” Justice Oka questioned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The court also challenged the Punjab government’s claim of taking action against erring officials, noting that only 56 officers out of 1,037 had been prosecuted for failing to enforce the ban on stubble burning. The Bench demanded a thorough explanation from both states regarding their inaction and the lack of prosecutions.

The court further questioned the Punjab government’s response to the Centre’s rejection of its Rs 1,200 crore demand for incentives to dissuade farmers from stubble burning. The Punjab Advocate General was asked to provide a detailed response on the matter.

This latest reprimand from the Supreme Court highlights the growing frustration with the lack of progress in tackling the perennial issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court’s strong stance is a clear signal to the concerned authorities that they must take immediate and decisive action to curb stubble burning and ensure the health and well-being of the region’s residents.

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