Don’t play politics over pollution, says NGT chief

Ishrat S Banwait

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 13

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Chairman, Justice Swatanter Kumar, has urged political parties to unite to find a solution to the issue of smog and pollution. “The issue should not be made a political agenda as it concerns the lives of our children,” he said. Justice Kumar also appreciated the role played by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the stubble-burning issue.

He said the NGT would announce its decision on the stubble-burning issue in the next 24 hours. It might also issue guidelines related to controlling smog in Delhi, the NCR and nearby areas. Justice Kumar was at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy in Sector 43 today to attend an exhibition and dialogue on "Environmental changes: Its effect on health and economy". He was the chief guest at the event.

The dialogue was followed by a panel discussion, hosted by the Serving in Organisations for Legal Initiatives (SIOLI) and the Punjab and Haryana Bar Association. On the occasion, an exhibition based on the theme of natural biodiversity was also put up.

In his address, Justice Kumar said, “Our Constitution talks about social and economic security, but it does not talk about environment conservation. I suggest that we should have clean environment as our fundamental right to achieve social and economic prosperity.” He said, "We are talking about clean air in Delhi, but it cannot happen unless the state governments of Punjab, Haryana and UP come together. Apart from this, I suggest our government offices have to work on collecting accurate data in this sector.”

Blames farmers for stubble burning

On stubble burning, the NGT Chairman put the onus on farmers. Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Justice Swatanter Kumar said, “There is a lack of will among farmers to change their ways; it is not lack of awareness”. This came as a response to a question regarding lack of feasible alternatives to stubble burning for farmers.