Crop burning, according to a three-judge bench led by Justice SK Kaul, is a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution. He gave these states’ chief secretaries a week to submit their affidavits.
On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality remained “very poor” for the fourth day in a row.
What is the significance of this story?
Delhi is India’s most polluted city, and a recent study found that toxic air costs Delhi residents 11.9 years of their lives.
Despite the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi’s recent efforts to reduce pollution, the air quality in Delhi-NCR has been reported to be “poor” to “very poor.”
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi on Tuesday was 350.
Calls for action to reduce air pollution
With winter approaching and Diwali approaching, Delhi and surrounding areas are bracing for an increase in AQI.
In preparation for the winter season, the SC previously requested a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on measures to reduce air pollution in and around the national capital.
Separately, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that beginning Wednesday, diesel-powered buses entering from other states and operating in the Delhi-NCR region will be required to use alternative fuel.
The effects of Stubble Burning on Air Pollution
From September to November, Stubble (parali) burning refers to the process of burning the remains of paddy crops in order to sow wheat in agricultural fields.
Toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are released.
Between September 15 and Sunday (October 29), Punjab reported 5,254 farm fires, making it the state with the most stubble-burning incidents among Delhi’s neighbors this year.
The right to life and fundamental duties are cited by the petitioner.
Previously, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court asking the court to direct states to implement measures to reduce air pollution.
It also advocated for the formation of a committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge to address the stubble-burning-caused air pollution crisis.
The petitioner claimed that the situation violated the public’s right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, and that by filing this plea, they are fulfilling their obligation under Article 51A.