NGT seeks a revised plan from Punjab to prevent stubble burning

Chandigarh: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dealt a setback to the Punjab government’s action plan for curbing stubble burning, ordering a revised plan to be submitted one week prior to the next hearing scheduled for March 22.

Stubble burning during winter exacerbates air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCT) annually, prompting scrutiny on Punjab and Haryana.

The NGT emphasizes periodic assessment of air quality in Punjab, especially during and after the paddy harvesting season, along with monitoring hotspot areas.

The tribunal previously directed the Punjab government to formulate a time-bound action plan for hotspots, criticizing the existing plan as lacking a definite timetable, prompting the call for a new plan.