NGT Calls for Action Plan from Punjab Govt to Curb Stubble Burning

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab government to present, in its comprehensive report, how it intends to attain its projected target for reducing incidents of stubble burning this year.

The tribunal was hearing the matter concerning stubble burning in Punjab, which exacerbates air pollution during the winter season in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas.

Earlier this year, in January, the green tribunal directed Punjab to submit an “amended fresh action plan” to address the “serious issue.”

A bench consisting of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, observed that a report on action taken, dated March 19, had been submitted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. This report included details of paddy straw utilization in 2023 along with the target for the current year.
The bench noted that the report disclosed the target for 2024 upon implementation of the crop residue management plan, encompassing strategies for both ex-situ and in-situ management of paddy straw.

Regarding ex-situ management, which involves using paddy straw for industrial boilers, biomass power plants, compressed bio-gas plants, brick kilns, bio-ethanol and thermal plants, as well as fodder, the bench remarked that the report had provided information.

The tribunal, in its order, mentioned, “It is reported that the Punjab state government is further strengthening the information, education and communication (IEC) activities amongst the farming community for making behavioural change so as to totally eradicate the stubble burning incidents.”

However, it noted that the state government’s counsel, upon being asked certain questions, sought an adjournment, requesting time to submit a detailed comprehensive report, including details regarding in-situ and ex-situ management of straw.

Acceding to the request, the tribunal stated, “The said report will also include the details relating to the mode and manner of removal of straw from the field, its transportation to different units for ex-situ management, the capacity of such units i.e., industrial boilers etc.”

The NGT also instructed the state government to “disclose how the projected figures for 2024 will be achieved, the preparation for the same till now and the preparation in the coming months to achieve the target.”

The NGT directed the Punjab government to file its report before the next hearing on 12^th July, 2024.