SC asks Punjab, Haryana, 4 other states about plans to prevent stubble burning

NEWDELHI:THE Supreme Court has asked governments of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan about the arrangements made by them for preventing stubble burning, which is a source of pollution in the region.

The apex court has also asked the states concerned to appraise it about the instances of stubble burning in previous year, its locations and also how many farmers were responsible so that “special arrangements” could be made in advance for those areas. “With respect to stubble burning, we would like to hear, by virtual hearing, chief secretaries of Govt of NCT of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on the next date, as to what arrangement they have made for preventing stubble burning as the time is fast approaching when it is burnt,” a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said. “Let it be disclosed, how many instances were there in the previous year and how many farmers were responsible and the locations identified with respect to stubble burning, be also indicated in the affidavit, as this year special arrangement is to be made in that area in advance by making proper planning,” the bench, also comprising justices BR Gavai and Krishna Murari, said. The apex court passed the order while hearing the pollution matter in which it is dealing with several aspects, including that of stubble burning.