New Delhi

On Wednesday, the SC summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana for failing to follow directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is responsible for tackling air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Justice Abhay S. Oka led a bench that expressed concern over the reluctance of these states to prosecute those responsible for stubble burning, noting that they only impose minimal fines. In the last three years, not a single person has been prosecuted, and only small fines have been collected, Justice Oka pointed out during the hearing of a public interest litigation related to air pollution control.

The court also ordered punitive measures against officials who have not adhered to CAQM guidelines. Recently, CAQM authorized District Magistrates in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to take legal action against officials failing to enforce stubble burning regulations.

The Supreme Court previously criticized CAQM for not effectively addressing stubble burning, stating it needed to be more proactive in its efforts to combat air pollution. Established in 2020, CAQM aims to improve air quality in the NCR by enhancing coordination, research, and resolution of air quality issues. Each year, Delhi and the NCR experience significant air pollution from October to December, primarily due to crop residue burning.