NGT directs Punjab, Haryana & UP to submit a report on crop burning

On Tuesday, October 15, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab to file a report on the action taken against the burning of crops. The deadline for the same is November 15, which is also the next day of the hearing. Furthermore, the state governments have been asked to depute officers at the village or the cluster of villages level. They would be responsible for monitoring the situation.  

Read: Stubble Burning Continues In Punjab Despite Government's Pleas

‘Failure of the state’ 

In its order, the NGT observed that the burning of crops was still rampant in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Maintaining that the states had not been able to properly educate the farmers, it noted with dismay that many types of equipment were yet to be made available to the farmers. It rejected the stand of the governments that they had done their part. Furthermore, it stressed that they were accountable to the people. The NGT contended that the citizen’s lifespan was affected due to the pollution arising out of stubble burning.  

It observed, "If you have not succeeded, then it the failure of the state. Ultimately, citizen is suffering. The duration of life is affected. You are all satisfied that you are doing your best." 

Read: Farmers Burning Stubble Will Be Deprived Of Govt. Facilities: Bihar CM

The NGT has been hearing the matters pertaining to crop burning. As a part of its submissions, the Centre informed the Tribunal that Rs 600 crore was being paid as an incentive to farmers for purchasing the requisite machines. It opined that the states had to contribute the remaining 20% of the amount. Informing the Tribunal about the subsidized cost of the machines, the Union government conceded that the farmer had an extra burden of Rs 600-700 per hectare.  

Read: Javadekar Details Steps On Stubble Burning To Counter Delhi Air Woes

Kejriwal urges action 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday appealed to the neighbouring states, the Supreme Court and the NGT to "do something" about the smoke emanating from the stubble burning. He alleged that the pollution in Delhi was worsening due to the smoke coming from outside. In the past, Kejriwal has held Haryana and Punjab responsible for causing pollution in the national capital.

He said, "I again urge all the governments to please do something about it. I request all the institutions - Supreme Court, NGT - to do something so that the health of the people is not affected," Kejriwal said. 

Read: 'Avoid Burning Crop Residue, It Damages Environment': Yogi Adityanath