Daljit Singh Cheema Urges Supreme Court Action on Punjab and Haryana Pollution
On October 3, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema called on the Supreme Court to take action against Punjab and Haryana for their role in air pollution. This appeal came after the Supreme Court criticized both states for their handling of pollution issues affecting Delhi and nearby areas.
Cheema emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to enforce measures, stating, “Every time they can’t blame farmers, they have to provide farmers with adequate facilities.” The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) lack of action, noting no prosecutions or recent meetings.
The Supreme Court has directed Punjab and Haryana to comply with CAQM’s directions and submit an affidavit within a week, with a hearing set for October 16. As stubble burning season begins, CAQM has deployed ‘flying squads’ in Haryana and Punjab to monitor and report on paddy stubble burning incidents daily.
The Ministry of Environment highlighted the deployment of these squads from October 1 to November 30, 2024, in hotspot districts where stubble burning is prevalent. This move follows the Supreme Court’s criticism of CAQM for not taking effective steps to reduce air pollution in the national capital region.
Doubts Revealed
Daljit Singh Cheema -: Daljit Singh Cheema is a politician from Punjab, India, and a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, which is a political party in the state.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India. It makes important decisions on legal issues and ensures that laws are followed across the country.
Punjab and Haryana -: Punjab and Haryana are two neighboring states in northern India. They are known for their agriculture, especially the cultivation of crops like wheat and rice.
Pollution -: Pollution refers to harmful substances in the air, water, or soil that can cause damage to the environment and health. In this context, it mainly refers to air pollution caused by activities like stubble burning.
Shiromani Akali Dal -: Shiromani Akali Dal is a political party in Punjab, India. It primarily represents the Sikh community and has been influential in the state’s politics.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) -: The Commission for Air Quality Management is a government body in India responsible for improving air quality and reducing pollution in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas.
Stubble burning -: Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to the leftover crop residue in fields after harvesting. It is a common practice in Punjab and Haryana and contributes significantly to air pollution.
Flying squads -: Flying squads are teams of officials who are sent to different locations to monitor and ensure compliance with rules. In this case, they are checking for incidents of stubble burning.
