New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reprimanded Punjab and Haryana over the issue of stubble burning, stating that no effective action has been taken by the states to address the problem, which exacerbates air pollution levels in Delhi and its neighbouring regions during the winter season.
Noting that there has been a substantial increase in stubble-burning cases in both states and calling it an “absolute defiance” of direction by the Commission of Air Quality Management, the court summoned the Haryana Chief Secretary on October 23.
“We see that the affidavit by Haryana is full of non-compliance. We direct the Commission to take penal action against State Officers under Section 14. We direct Chief Secretary Mr Prasad to be physically present on next Wednesday. The commission will make a statement about coercive action taken against State officials. Chief Secretary holds an explanation to court not only for non-compliance but also for not taking stringent action against violators,” Justice AS Oka said.
The Supreme Court was hearing a case of non-compliance with orders passed by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly regarding stubble burning, India Today reported.
The court also criticised the central commission for failing to take action on violations. It said, “Who is appearing for Punjab and Haryana? None of the members of the commission are qualified to deal with matters of air pollution. Absolute non-compliance. Check our last order and June 10 order as well. Not a single prosecution has been done yet. Everything is just on paper”.