The issue of stubble burning has reignited political tensions in India, prompting the Delhi government to call for an emergency ministerial meeting on Saturday. Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized that the city-state is actively deploying bio-decomposer to manage stubble within its jurisdiction, but acknowledged the limitations of enforcing pollution control measures originating from neighboring states. He specifically highlighted the inability to dictate Punjab’s pollution control plan, emphasizing that each state must formulate its own strategies. Despite this, Rai pointed to significant progress in reducing stubble burning incidents over the past two years, noting a decline of more than 50%.
However, Rai acknowledged the need for a collaborative effort, advocating for the involvement of neighboring states — Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan — as well as the central government. He urged the central government to convene a joint meeting of environment ministers, similar to the practice in previous years, to facilitate coordinated action before the onset of winter pollution. This call for collaboration comes just a day after the Supreme Court of India reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management for its failure to effectively curb air pollution stemming from crop residue burning.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, underscored the importance of implementing stubble-burning alternatives at the grassroots level and directed the commission to submit a more comprehensive compliance report. Meanwhile, members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMS), a farmers’ organization, have urged the government to devise a permanent solution to the stubble-burning problem. Gurbachan Singh Chhaba, a KMS representative, articulated the farmers’ frustration, stating that while no farmer desires to burn stubble, they are often left with no viable alternatives. Chhaba highlighted the significant financial burden associated with preparing fields for the next crop, particularly when relying on alternative methods. He criticized the government’s approach, noting that new machines are introduced annually, rendering previous year’s equipment obsolete and placing a continuous financial burden on farmers. He implored the government to find a lasting solution that addresses the economic challenges faced by farmers while effectively tackling the environmental concerns associated with stubble burning.
