The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the annual problem of stubble burning in Delhi and nearby states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. They emphasized that Delhi should not suffer from severe air pollution year after year. The court asked all stakeholders to meet and come up with a solution.

The court highlighted the health issues faced by children in Delhi due to pollution, stating that it’s not a matter for political debate. The timing of stubble burning was criticized, and the court stressed that serious measures are needed to stop it, whether through force or incentives.

They also questioned the Delhi government about controlling vehicle pollution and suggested that states should shift to alternative crops to avoid farm fires. The court expressed zero tolerance for inaction and emphasized the need for action.

The court also mentioned that a smog tower in Delhi is not functioning and criticized the local government for not making it work. They directed that solid waste should not be burned in the open during this season.

The issue of stubble burning has been a point of contention between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Delhi and Punjab, and the BJP. The AAP claims that farm fires have decreased in Punjab under its rule, while blaming the BJP for pollution in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

In Punjab, most of the stubble burning cases occurred in the past eight days, with thousands of cases recorded. Delhi’s air quality has slightly improved but remains in the “very poor” category.