In a case addressing the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region, a division bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia has issued directives. The bench has specifically instructed the Governments of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana to take immediate measures to curb stubble burning by farmers in their respective states, recognizing it as a significant contributor to Delhi’s poor air quality.
The court has mandated that the mentioned state governments convene a meeting on November 8, 2023, with the aim of promptly halting crop burning. Additionally, the Delhi Government has been directed to prevent the open burning of municipal solid waste, repair smog towers, and ensure that only taxis registered in Delhi operate within the city.
Acknowledging the Central Government’s efforts to promote the cultivation of traditional crops, the court has suggested a transition to alternative crops instead of paddy to address the issue of stubble burning. To facilitate this shift, the bench recommended providing Minimum Support Price to crops other than paddy.
Furthermore, the court has directed the State of Punjab to rigorously enforce the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act 2009 in an effort to address the environmental concerns associated with agricultural practices.
