New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong discontent with the central air quality panel for its failure to address the rise in crop burning in north Indian states, a significant contributor to air pollution in Delhi. This criticism follows a notable decline in Delhi's air quality this week.

The court reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for not forming any committees to tackle the stubble burning issue, stating, "Every year we see stubble burning. There has been total non-compliance of the CAQM Act. Have committees been constituted? Please show us a single step taken. Which directions have you used under the Act? You are silent spectators. You are doing nothing." In response, the chairperson of the air quality panel mentioned that three subcommittees were conducting one meeting every three months. The Supreme Court questioned this approach, remarking, "We wonder how they are performing those tasks by meeting only once in three months."

The CAQM Act mandates the formation of a commission to enhance coordination, research, and resolution of air pollution issues in the Delhi-NCR region. The two-judge bench emphasized the need for grassroots efforts to promote the use of alternative equipment to prevent stubble burning, noting the lack of actionable directions under the Act. A senior advocate serving as amicus curiae informed the court that substantial funds had been offered to farmers for equipment to prevent crop burning, but the issue persists. "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," he stated.

The Supreme Court highlighted the CAQM's extensive powers, including the ability to close polluting units, and requested the panel to provide records of its meetings and decisions. The court concluded that while the commission has taken some steps, it needs to become more proactive to ensure that its initiatives effectively reduce pollution levels. Delhi faces an annual air quality crisis during winter, particularly around Diwali, largely due to stubble burning in neighboring states like Haryana and Punjab.

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