The Supreme Court of India has strongly rebuked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lackluster efforts in addressing Delhi's worsening air pollution crisis, particularly when it comes to stubble burning in neighboring states. The court expressed disappointment that not a single committee was formed to tackle the issue, despite the CAQM Act providing for better coordination and resolution of air pollution-related problems.
Lack of Committees: No committees were formed to tackle stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.
Inadequate Meetings: CAQM's subcommittees hold only one meeting every three months.
Insufficient Directions: Hardly any directions were issued under the CAQM Act, and no action was taken for violations.
Untapped Powers: CAQM has vast powers, including directing closure of polluting units, but fails to utilize them.
Commission needs to be more active ensure that its directions are complied with otherwise it will remain merely on paper. Ensure equipment given to farmers instead of stubble burning is actually used by farmers. One of the duties is to work with NCR States and it (CAQM) has vast powers conferred including closure of polluting units. We are of the view that though the Commission has taken certain steps, the Commission needs to be more active and must ensure that its efforts and directions actually translate into reducing the problem of pollution.
The Supreme Court Bench
The matter will be heard again next Thursday, and the court's directives aim to prompt CAQM into more effective action to address Delhi's air pollution crisis. Every winter, the National Capital Region (NCR) experiences severe air quality issues, and stubble burning is a major contributor to this problem. Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae, said if their law was being violated, they have the authority to take action. "But they are being silent spectators," the court observed. A senior advocate assisting the court as amicus curiae said thousands of crores were offered to the farmers for equipment in a bid to prevent crop burning.
"In 2017, we thought it would help stop, but it has not and that is why the CAQM was formed. Some officer has to be held responsible," the Senior advocate Aprajita Singh said.
The Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhatti, claimed that pollution has decreased since CAQM's constitution, but the court remains unimpressed. The bench emphasized that CAQM must send a strong message that violating the law will result in stringent action.
The Supreme Court has ordered CAQM to: Penalize and punish violators of provisions, increase the frequency of meetings and to submit a comprehensive affidavit on October 3.
The CAQM chairperson claimed that three subcommittees were holding meetings every three months, but the court questioned the effectiveness of these meetings, stating that they were hardly sufficient to address the severity of the problem. The court emphasized that the CAQM needs to be more proactive in enforcing its powers, including directing the closure of polluting units.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)
