SC raps states
DESPITE repeated warnings from the Supreme Court, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana continues to worsen northern India's air pollution every year. The court recently summoned the chief secretaries of both states, demanding explanations for their failure to curb this practice. It also criticised the air pollution control board for its ineffectiveness, calling it a "toothless wonder" in its inability to enforce measures. Stubble burning has become a major environmental and public health crisis, contributing significantly to the toxic air that blankets cities up to Delhi during the winter. This pollution leads to widespread respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly. While the SC's intervention is necessary, the persistent inaction points to a deeper issue: the socio-economic challenges farmers face in managing crop residue. For many, burning the stubble is the cheapest and fastest way to clear fields between crop cycles. Though alternatives like straw management machinery exist, they are often too expensive for small-scale farmers, and government subsidies have been insufficient
The solution requires a multifaceted approach. The state governments must enforce the laws more strictly while also offering greater financial aid and support to farmers for alternative methods of stubble disposal. Further, creating a market for agricultural waste, such as using crop residue for biofuels, could turn this environmental hazard into an economic asset.
The annual recurrence of this issue shows a lack of both political will and empathy for the millions of people who suffer from polluted air. Effective policies, technological innovation and better resource allocation are urgently needed. North India cannot afford to endure this public health disaster every year. A collective effort from the government, judiciary and civil society is essential to break the cycle of stubble burning and ensure cleaner air for future generations.
