The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for failing to enforce its own directives aimed at curbing air pollution, particularly in light of the approaching stubble burning season.

“From the affidavit of compliance we find that no effort is being made by CAQM for implementation of its directions, not a single prosecution has been initiated and the last meeting was only held on August 29,” said the Supreme Court.

The court has directed the states of Punjab and Haryana to comply with CAQM’s directives and file an affidavit within a week. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on October 16.

As stubble burning season begins, the CAQM has deployed ‘flying squads’ across several districts in Punjab and Haryana to monitor and curb incidents of paddy stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in the region. These squads will assess the situation on the ground and report daily to the Commission and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about measures taken to prevent further burning.

This move comes after the Supreme Court criticized CAQM for acting as a “silent spectator” in its efforts to reduce air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Commission, which oversees pollution control in Delhi and its surrounding areas, has faced scrutiny for its lack of action.

Recent data from Punjab and Haryana has shown a spike in stubble burning incidents compared to last year, sparking concerns as Delhi braces for another winter of poor air quality.

The Ministry of Environment said that the CPCB’s Flying Squads, working with CAQM, have been deployed to high-risk districts in Punjab and Haryana from October 1 to November 30, 2024, to mitigate the expected rise in stubble burning incidents.

(Inputs from ANI)