Supreme Court Reviews Farmers’ Satellite Evasion Tactics

Supreme Court Probes Farmers’ Evasion of Satellite Monitoring

Why in News (40 words):

The Supreme Court of India has decided to examine whether farmers are timing stubble burning to evade satellite surveillance. The Court issued notices to Punjab and Haryana governments to submit updated reports on stubble-burning incidents worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Supreme Court Reviews Farmers’ Satellite Evasion Tactics

Supreme Court’s Observation and Proceedings:

  • Bench’s Concern: A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai expressed disbelief when amicus curiae Aparajita Singh stated that some farmers wait for satellite pass timings before burning crop stubble.
  • Evidence Submitted: Singh presented data and photographs from a NASA scientist, indicating that stubble-burning incidents have not decreased, despite government claims.
  • Question of Coordination: The Chief Justice questioned if farmers actually coordinate collectively to burn fields outside satellite visibility windows.
  • State Accountability: The Court issued notices to Punjab and Haryana, seeking their latest stubble-burning reports and explanations on current measures.
  • Next Hearing: The case is scheduled for November 17, when the Court will review state responses and pollution data.

Pollution Crisis and Government’s Response

  • Recurring Problem: Stubble burning remains a major source of toxic smog, pushing Delhi’s AQI beyond 400, creating an annual public health emergency. This practice significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change concerns.
  • Past Supreme Court Stand: In September, the Court suggested reviving criminal prosecution for repeat offenders and even framing a separate law against stubble burning. The Court emphasized the need for an environmental impact assessment of current agricultural practices.
  • Centre’s Position: The Union Government prefers persuasion over punishment, emphasizing cooperation with farmers instead of arrests. There’s a growing focus on promoting clean energy transitions in agriculture to address the root causes of stubble burning.
  • Implementation Gaps: Despite large budget allocations and several Supreme Court directives, ground conditions return to “square one” each winter. This highlights the need for more effective carbon offset mechanisms and sustainable forest management practices in the region.
  • Call for Stronger Measures: The amicus and lawyers, including Gopal Sankaranarayanan, urged the Court to direct the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce stricter GRAP-IV restrictions. They also suggested exploring emissions trading systems and voluntary carbon market initiatives to incentivize farmers to adopt cleaner practices.

Understanding Stubble Burning and Air Quality Mechanisms:
● Stubble Burning: It involves burning crop residue (mainly paddy) to clear fields for the next crop cycle, a major source of PM2.5 and CO₂ emissions.

  • GRAP Framework: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) governs emergency measures based on air quality levels — from Stage I (moderate) to Stage IV (severe plus).
  • CAQM Role: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas coordinates inter-state efforts to control air pollution. It’s exploring carbon market cooperation strategies to address the issue.
  • Satellite Surveillance: Agencies like ISRO and NASA monitor fire incidents through real-time imagery, helping track stubble-burning hotspots. This data is crucial for implementing effective carbon offset projects.
  • Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court’s intervention ensures administrative accountability, reinforcing India’s environmental governance and public health protection mechanisms. The Court is increasingly emphasizing the importance of meeting nationally determined contributions to global climate goals. |