As Delhi reels under deteriorating air quality, the Supreme Court has directed the Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments to stop stubble burning immediately.
The top court also hit out at the Punjab government, stating that there can't be a political battle all the time. "We want it (stubble burning) stopped. We don't know how you do it, it’s your job. But it must be stopped. Something has to be done immediately," a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said.
"Whether by sometimes forceful actions and sometimes by incentives. You have to stop the fire. Your administration must do so. Your local SHO must be held responsible.. from today onwards they must start working on it," Justice Kaul said. "We are not saying that stubble burning is the only contributor but it is a significant factor," Justice Kaul added.
It also made the local State House Officer (SHO) responsible for implementing the court’s direction on stubble burning under the supervision of DGPs and the Chief Secretary. The court also asked chief secretaries of the states to have a meeting either physically or by Zoom on the pollution issue.
The court also noted that a smog tower installed as per an earlier order was not working and directed the government to ensure it was repaired.
The court also directed the Delhi Government to ensure that municipal solid waste is not burnt in the city in the open.
The Punjab AG informed the court that farmers are burning the stubble on account of economic reasons. He suggested that the Centre provide subsidies to provide the required facilities. The AG added that the paddy cultivation must be phased out to be substituted with other crops, and the Centre must explore the options for giving Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for other crops rather than for paddy.
To this, the apex court said paddy cultivation must be phased out to be substituted with other crops. "The switchover can occur only if MSP is not given to paddy and is given to other crops," he added.
The court will hear the matter on Friday.