Written by adv. Sandeep Singh
In a fervent appeal to curb the alarming air pollution crisis in the national capital, the Supreme Court recently reprimanded the governments of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan for their inability to halt stubble burning. The court emphasized that Delhi cannot be subjected to severe air pollution year after year, demanding a swift resolution to this critical issue. The situation is dire, and the Supreme Court is adamant that it must be addressed urgently.
The Supreme Court’s Concern
The apex court demanded all stakeholders to convene for a meeting to deliberate on this urgent matter. Justice SK Kaul of the bench stressed the necessity for immediate action, saying, “Eminent Secretary should call for a meeting tomorrow, whether physically or Zoom. All stakeholders will connect to ensure that we have a better picture and some redemption by Friday.” The urgency of this situation is undeniable, and the court is determined to find a solution promptly.
Health Impact on Delhi’s Residents
Addressing the issue of air pollution in Delhi, Justice Kaul made it clear that this problem should not be politicized. He highlighted how the health of children in the national capital is suffering due to pollution. This is not a matter of political debate; it’s a public health crisis that needs to be resolved urgently.
The Timing of Stubble Burning
Punjab’s Attorney General argued that crop burning only occurs for a limited period, ranging from 20 to 50 days. However, Justice Kaul pointed out that it’s the timing of stubble burning that matters, and there is a lack of seriousness in addressing this problem. The court’s stance is resolute: they do not care how it is done; it must stop, whether through forceful actions or incentives.
Delhi’s Vehicular Pollution
The bench also inquired about the measures taken by the Delhi government to restrict vehicles from entering the city. Vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to the city’s air quality issues. The court is pressing for stringent actions to mitigate this problem.
Shifting to Alternative Crops
To prevent farm fires, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for states to transition to alternative crops, reducing the reliance on paddy cultivation. Justice Kaul made it clear that they are losing patience on this issue and that all officers involved should expedite this transition.
Non-Functional Smog Tower
During the hearing, Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh informed the court that the smog tower in Delhi is non-functional. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with this revelation and demanded that the tower be made operational. This technology is crucial in controlling air pollution in the city.
Solid Waste Management
To further address the issue, the court directed authorities to ensure that solid waste is not burnt in the open during this season. This practice is prevalent and worsens air quality during this time of the year.
Political Blame Game
The ongoing tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over stubble burning has added a political dimension to the problem. The AAP claims that farm fires have decreased since it assumed power in Punjab, while blaming the BJP for their inability to control pollution in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
On the other hand, the BJP has criticized the AAP for its ban on firecrackers in Delhi and the odd-even rule set to be implemented from November 13 to November 20. BJP’s South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri alleged that these measures are part of an agenda by AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against Sanatan Dharna.
The Urgency of the Situation
In Punjab, a staggering 78% of stubble burning cases this season occurred in the past eight days. On Monday alone, 2,060 cases of stubble burning were recorded in Punjab. While there has been a slight improvement in Delhi’s air quality, it still remains in the ‘very poor’ category, with an overall air quality index (AQI) reading of 395. The city continues to be shrouded in a thick, toxic haze.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s impassioned plea for action to stop farm fires and alleviate the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi underscores the urgency of the situation. Immediate steps must be taken to protect the health and well-being of the city’s residents and the environment. It is a collective responsibility to find innovative and effective solutions to address this critical issue.
FAQs:
1. What are the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi?
- Vehicular pollution and stubble burning are among the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi.
2. What actions is the Supreme Court urging to combat stubble burning?
- The Supreme Court is urging states to transition to alternative crops and take both forceful actions and incentives to stop stubble burning.
3. Why is the smog tower in Delhi crucial for controlling air pollution?
- The smog tower is essential as it helps in reducing air pollution in the city by filtering out harmful pollutants.
4. How has the political rivalry between AAP and BJP affected the issue of stubble burning?
- The political rivalry has added complexity to the issue, with both parties blaming each other for the problem.
5. What is the current state of Delhi’s air quality?
- Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘very poor’ category, with an overall air quality index (AQI) reading of 395, indicating significant pollution levels.
Reference- India Today
