NGT raps state for failing to curb stubble-burning

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 16

Pulling up Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for not taking adequate steps to check stubble-burning, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the states to review their enforcement strategies and take appropriate action against failure of officers to prevent pollution caused by burning crop residue.

Taking note of increased pollution levels due to stubble-burning, the Green Tribunal observed that just like enforcing law, it was the responsibility of the states to prevent pollution, instead of pleading helplessness on the ground.

The Green Tribunal has asked the states to depute a person each to report daily on air pollution due to stubble-burning. It observed that despite efforts by the Centre and states, burning of crop residue was going on and causing adverse consequences on public health and environment, for which no officer is being held accountable.

Even after five years, the state machinery has not been able to communicate to the farmers about the techniques of sowing crops without burning of paddy residue, the Green Tribunal has observed.

Putting the responsibility on the state, the Green Tribunal has further stated that if an incentive has to be given, it is for the state to decide and provide the same. Even the Central funds for schemes are not fully utilised as per the report submitted on October 14

Asking for effective steps, the Tribunal has sought proper communication with the farmers, supply of suitable equipment without unbearable cost for the farmer, change of crop patterns, purchase of crop residue for fuel and fixing accountability of the farmers. The Green Tribunal directed the states to file an action-taken report by 15th of next month.