Supreme Court directs Punjab, Haryana, UP to discuss stubble management measures

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to hold discussions on the measures suggested by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to curb stubble burning.

The court clarified that no single state or stakeholder can be held solely responsible for air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

During the hearing, Justice Abhay S. Oka noted that stubble burning in Punjab cannot be blamed alone for Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.

Punjab’s Attorney General, Gurminder Singh, presented data showing that the last recorded incident of stubble burning occurred on November 15, yet Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to touch 400 in December and January.

Singh reiterated Punjab’s commitment to ending stubble burning but questioned the extent of the state’s contribution to Delhi’s pollution levels. Justice Oka acknowledged the argument, stating, “You are right. We cannot blame just one state or just one stakeholder.”

The court has directed the CAQM to consult with relevant parties and submit an affidavit with its recommendations by March 17.