The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to hold a meeting with representatives from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to develop and implement effective action plans to combat stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi and neighbouring areas.
A bench headed by Justice Abhay Oka reviewed suggestions and notes submitted by the Amicus Curiae, the Additional Solicitor General, and the Central Government’s Department of Agriculture concerning straw management.
According to the court, the proposed solution, as reflected in these notes, includes an action plan for crop diversification, in situ and ex situ management of crop residue, and a mass awareness and consideration program.
The Supreme Court has also directed the three states to submit their responses to these proposed solutions to the CAQM. After reviewing these responses, the CAQM is required to formulate its own recommendations on the matter. The Commission must submit these suggestions to the court by March 17, the court said.
Further, the court addressed the non-compliance of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana with previous orders to provide subsistence payments to construction workers affected by construction bans during GRAP stages. It directed the Chief Secretaries of these three states to appear personally (via video conference) before the court at the next hearing on February 28.
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