Context: The Supreme Court seeks report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding stubble-burning incidents and the actions taken to mitigate them, ahead of a scheduled hearing on September 27. This follows concerns about air pollution impacting the national capital. SC JUDGEMENT The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its inadequate efforts to tackle air pollution arising from stubble burning in states adjacent to Delhi. The bench criticized the CAQM for total non-compliance with the Act, questioning the effectiveness of any directives it may have issued to stakeholders. “There has been total non-compliance of the Act Please show us a single direction issued to any stakeholder under the Act,”

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  • Court's Stance: During the recent hearing, Justice A.S. Oka emphasized the urgency of addressing stubble-burning, which significantly contributes to air pollution, especially during winter months.
  • Government Response: The Additional Solicitor General assured the court of an inquiry into the matter, indicating that the CAQM would report back with findings.
  • Previous Directives: Last year, the Supreme Court directed Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi to halt stubble-burning immediately to safeguard public health. The court has repeatedly highlighted the need for a collaborative approach rather than blaming farmers for pollution.

JUDICIAL PERSPECTIVE

  • Farmers as Part of the Solution: Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia remarked that farmers should not be vilified, suggesting they are integral to resolving the issue.
  • Political Responsibility: The court cautioned against treating pollution as a political issue, stressing the collective responsibility of all states to address air quality concerns.

ROLE OF CAQM

  • Establishment: The CAQM was formed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, to coordinate air quality management efforts across Delhi and neighboring states.
  • Mandate: It aims to improve air quality through research, problem identification, and pollution control initiatives.
  • Powers: The CAQM can issue binding directions, conduct investigations, and develop guidelines related to air pollution.

STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED

  • The CAQM has recommended establishing an ecosystem for utilizing paddy straw in industrial applications, including co-firing in thermal power plants, to manage stubble effectively.
  • Directions have been issued to 11 thermal power plants near Delhi for implementing ex-situ management of paddy straw.

CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

  • Overview: Established in 1974, the CPCB is responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution in India, providing technical support to the Ministry of Environment.
  • Functions: It advises on air and water pollution control, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.