SC seeks straw burning report from panel on air quality

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought "answers" from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi NCR on alleged stubble burning incidents by Friday.

A division bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Augustine George Masih demanded CAQM's explanation after senior advocate Aparajita Singh, amicus curiae in the stubble burning matter, mentioned the matter, citing a newspaper report that stubble burning has already begun.

Besides an explanation for stubble burning, Singh also sought a court directive to CAQM to spell out the steps it has taken to hold erring officials accountable.


The bench verbally observed "we want answers" by Friday.

The counsel appearing on behalf of CAQM assured the bench that necessary information will be provided by Friday.

In December last year, the top court had issued directions aimed at improving air quality in the NCR including reiterating that stubble burning must cease.

The court last year directed Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi to outline measures to combat air pollution, particularly related to stubble burning.