Supreme Court Criticizes States on Air Pollution, Emphasizes Shared Responsibility
The Supreme Court strongly criticized state governments for failing to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR, stating farmers cannot be solely blamed for stubble burning.
Photo by Abhishek Choudhary
त्वरित संशोधन
Supreme Court criticized state governments for failing to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
The court stated farmers cannot be solely blamed for stubble burning.
Emphasized collective responsibility of states.
Called for strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Questioned the effectiveness of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
दृश्य सामग्री
Air Pollution Crisis: Delhi-NCR & Surrounding States
This map highlights the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and the surrounding states implicated in the air pollution crisis, particularly concerning stubble burning. The Supreme Court's emphasis on 'shared responsibility' underscores the need for coordinated action across these regions.
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परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Environmental governance and policy implementation challenges
Role of judiciary in environmental protection (judicial activism)
Inter-state coordination and federalism in addressing environmental issues
Impact of agricultural practices (stubble burning) on urban pollution
Statutory bodies and their effectiveness (CAQM, CPCB, GRAP)
Public health implications of air pollution
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
The Supreme Court has come down heavily on state governments for their failure to control the severe air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). What's the key takeaway? The court made it clear that farmers cannot be made the sole "scapegoats" for stubble burning, emphasizing that the states must take collective responsibility and implement effective measures.
The SC highlighted the need for strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and questioned the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). This strong judicial intervention underscores the urgency of the pollution crisis and the need for coordinated, sustained efforts from all stakeholders, moving beyond blame games to concrete action.
पृष्ठभूमि
Air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) has been a recurring and severe environmental and public health crisis, particularly during the winter months. This issue is exacerbated by a combination of factors including stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and unfavorable meteorological conditions.
Past interventions have included the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Despite these measures, the problem persists, leading to frequent judicial interventions.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. With reference to air quality management in the Delhi-NCR region, consider the following statements: 1. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented only when air quality reaches the 'Severe' category. 2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 3. Stubble burning is the sole contributor to the 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' air quality days in the Delhi-NCR during winter months. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. GRAP has multiple stages, starting from 'Poor' and 'Moderate to Poor' categories, not just 'Severe'. It is a set of emergency measures implemented incrementally as air quality deteriorates. Statement 2 is correct. CAQM was established by an Act of Parliament, the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, which draws its powers from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, making it a statutory body. Statement 3 is incorrect. While stubble burning is a significant contributor, it is not the 'sole' contributor. Vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and domestic burning are also major factors contributing to severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
2. Consider the following statements regarding common air pollutants and their sources: 1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can originate from both natural sources like dust storms and anthropogenic activities such as stubble burning and vehicular emissions. 2. Ground-level Ozone, a major component of smog, is directly emitted into the atmosphere primarily from industrial processes. 3. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is predominantly released from the burning of fossil fuels containing sulphur, particularly in power generation and industrial boilers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. Particulate Matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Its sources are diverse, including natural phenomena like dust storms and volcanic eruptions, as well as human activities such as stubble burning, vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, and construction. Statement 2 is incorrect. Ground-level ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant, meaning it is not directly emitted. It is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. These precursor pollutants (NOx and VOCs) come from sources like vehicular exhaust and industrial emissions. Statement 3 is correct. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is primarily produced from the burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) that contain sulphur, especially in power plants and industrial facilities.
3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas?
- A.It is an advisory body established by an executive order, without statutory backing.
- B.It has the power to issue directions to state governments and pollution control boards in the NCR region.
- C.Its jurisdiction is limited to Delhi and does not extend to adjoining areas in other states.
- D.It is solely responsible for implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) across India.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Option A is incorrect. CAQM is a statutory body established by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. Option B is correct. The CAQM Act, 2021, grants the Commission wide-ranging powers, including the authority to issue directions to state governments, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and other authorities in the NCR and adjoining areas to ensure compliance with air quality standards. Option C is incorrect. As its name suggests, its jurisdiction extends to the National Capital Region and 'adjoining areas' in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Option D is incorrect. While CAQM plays a role in air quality management in the NCR, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a broader national-level program implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change across various non-attainment cities in India, not solely by CAQM.
4. In the context of addressing stubble burning in North India, which of the following measures have been promoted or are considered viable alternatives? 1. In-situ crop residue management using machinery like Happy Seeder. 2. Ex-situ crop residue management for biomass-to-energy projects. 3. Application of PUSA decomposer bio-capsules. 4. Promoting cultivation of short-duration paddy varieties. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 and 4 only
- C.1, 2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
All four statements describe viable and promoted measures to address stubble burning. 1. In-situ crop residue management involves managing the stubble in the field itself, often by incorporating it into the soil using specialized machinery like the Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, or Zero-Till Drill. 2. Ex-situ crop residue management involves transporting the stubble out of the fields for alternative uses, such as feedstock for biomass-to-energy plants, paper mills, or packaging industries. 3. PUSA decomposer bio-capsules are a microbial solution developed by ICAR-IARI that helps decompose crop residue in the field, turning it into manure and avoiding the need for burning. 4. Promoting short-duration paddy varieties allows farmers more time between harvesting paddy and sowing the next crop (wheat), reducing the pressure to burn stubble quickly.