Supreme Court summons Punjab, Haryana top officials over lack of action against stubble burning

The Supreme Court summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana over inadequate action against stubble burning. The court criticized the states for non-compliance and termed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as a “toothless tiger.” The court directed CAQM to take penal action against state officials for failing to prosecute violators. The bench highlighted the lack of prosecutions in Punjab and Haryana and the failure to seek central funds for tractors to address the issue. The court’s directive aims to ensure stricter enforcement of measures to curb stubble burning, which significantly contributes to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).