Supreme Court pulls up Punjab, Haryana over stubble burning as Delhi chokes under toxic air

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought detailed reports from the governments of Punjab and Haryana on the steps taken to curb stubble burning, as air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the severe category following the Diwali weekend.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran directed both states to file their responses by November 17, expressing concern over the worsening pollution levels in the National Capital and its adjoining regions.

“Let Punjab and Haryana governments respond on steps taken to control stubble burning,” the bench ordered, noting that Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) had already been invoked due to the hazardous levels of pollution.

The Court’s intervention came as the Delhi-NCR region witnessed one of its worst post-Diwali pollution spells in recent years. The Air Quality Index (AQI) across large parts of Delhi breached the 400 mark, indicating severe air quality, with several monitoring stations reporting levels above 450, a range classified as hazardous.

Toxic air and public health fears

The situation worsened a day after Diwali celebrations, as smoke from firecrackers mixed with emissions from vehicles, industrial activity, and large-scale crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana. The resulting toxic haze blanketed the city, reducing visibility and sending respiratory illness cases soaring.

Medical experts have repeatedly urged residents, especially children and the elderly, to avoid outdoor activity and, if possible, leave Delhi temporarily until air quality stabilises.

According to data submitted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s AQI stood at 425 at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Following this, the Commission activated a nine-point action plan under Stage III of GRAP, which includes a ban on construction activities, restrictions on diesel generators, and intensified pollution control measures across the National Capital Region.

Last week, the Court had called for a status report from the CAQM after it was informed that most of the air quality monitoring stations remained shut during Diwali in Delhi.

Concerns over monitoring and data manipulation

During the hearing, amicus curiae informed the bench that air quality had deteriorated to hazardous levels and that authorities must address discrepancies in pollution monitoring.

“The air quality monitoring issue needs to be explained,” the amicus said, pointing out reports that data from monitoring stations were being manipulated.

The Supreme Court took note of these allegations and indicated that it would examine the functioning of monitoring stations and the authenticity of reported data.

Senior lawyers urge stronger response

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing in the case, urged the Court to direct authorities to implement GRAP Stage IV, the most stringent level of anti-pollution measures, given the prevailing conditions.

“While GRAP III is in force, GRAP IV should be implemented. The AQI has crossed 450 at several places,” he said, drawing attention to ongoing construction and drilling work even within the Supreme Court premises.

Pointing towards excavation work near Courtroom No. 10, Sankaranarayanan remarked, “That should not happen at least within these premises.”

CJI Gavai acknowledged the concern and assured that appropriate action would be taken to halt such activities. “Action will be taken in regard to construction activity,” the Chief Justice said, adding that the court staff would also be informally informed to ensure compliance.

As the bench adjourned the matter to November 17, it signalled that it would continue to monitor the issue closely. “List on Monday.”

The case underscores the judiciary’s continuing frustration with the cycle of annual environmental neglect that turns the national capital into a gas chamber every winter.