Supreme Court on Delhi Smog

Supreme Court Questions Stubble Burning Blame in Delhi Pollution

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court has stated that farmers cannot be scapegoated for Delhi’s pollution, noting that pollution persisted despite a sharp fall in stubble-burning cases. It asked the CAQM to examine other major pollution sources and revisit its action plan.

Supreme Court’s Key Observations on Pollution Sources:

• The Court said it was unfair to blame farmers alone for air pollution in the NCR, especially when the sky was clearer during the COVID lockdown despite stubble burning.
• Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need to avoid politicising the issue and instead focus on scientific assessment.
• The Bench noted that despite stubble-burning cases decreasing from 88,000 to 5,500, pollution levels remained high in Delhi-NCR.
• The Court suggested that crop stubble should be treated as a potential resource, not a burden, and farmers must be sensitised to alternatives.
• Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned poor implementation of anti-pollution measures on the ground despite detailed action plans.

Pollution Management and Government Response

• CAQM informed the Court that the target for zero stubble burning in 2025 had not translated into field-level outcomes.
• The Court said authorities must expand focus to other major contributors — vehicles, road dust, construction waste, and industrial emissions.
• The CJI noted that pollution affects entire NCR and surrounding States, making coordinated, multi-sectoral action essential.
• The Court asked CAQM whether it should revise its action plan given the limited results so far.
• Past orders allowed CAQM to take any proactive measure, including advancing GRAP IV restrictions (like work-from-home) during GRAP III stages.