Pollution crackdown

THE Punjab Government’s decision to initiate criminal proceedings against officials and register FIRs against farmers involved in stubble burning marks a decisive turn in tackling the pollution crisis that chokes North India every winter. This shift, spurred by the Supreme Court’s sharp rebuke and demand for immediate action, reflects an urgent recognition of the responsibility to protect public health. Year after year, stubble burning has been met with ineffective penalties and selective enforcement, allowing the hazardous practice to persist. The apex court’s intervention has exposed these loopholes, asserting that citizens have a fundamental right to clean air, and calling on Punjab to enforce accountability.

The punitive measures now directed at officials responsible for preventing farm fires in their jurisdictions signal a break from the past pattern of lip service to pollution control. This step holds promise for real change, with officials and farmers alike held accountable. While Punjab has taken a firm stance against stubble burning, it has not disregarded the financial constraints of the farming community. With nearly 32 lakh hectares under paddy cultivation, primarily managed by small-scale farmers, Punjab’s request for Rs 1,200 crore from the Centre to fund crop residue management is a critical step. Alternatives to stubble burning, though essential, require costly machinery that many marginal farmers simply cannot afford, leaving them with few options.

Yet, the Centre’s delay in approving these funds threatens to stall Punjab’s proactive efforts. For any meaningful and lasting change, the strong stance that Punjab has adopted must be a part of a sustained, collaborative approach between the state, the Centre and farmers. The state government’s focus on accountability, combined with adequate support for sustainable methods, is the only way forward to ensure a pollution-free future for all.