• The Supreme Court pulled up the Centre for making the environment protection law “toothless”, even as it asserted that there is a fundamental right for every citizen of India to live in a pollution free environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.

• A bench of Justices also pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments for not implementing court orders in cases of stubble burning. 

• The Punjab government reported 1,084 incidents of stubble burning but only collected fines from 473 violators, while Haryana recorded 490 instances with just 32 FIRs filed. 

• The inconsistent enforcement of penalties was criticised.

• The SC bench said in matters of environment protection, the court needs to pass harsh orders.

• It observed that the Centre amended section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, substituting it with a provision relating to punitive action that diluted the rigours of the environmental law.

• It said the amended provision came into force April 1, 2024 but it has been rendered completely ineffective due to “inaction” on part of the Centre. 

What is stubble burning?

• Stubble burning, or setting fire to crop residues after harvest, is a widespread practice across North West India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

• It helps farmers clear their fields quickly to prepare for the next crop cycle, particularly between September and November when wheat is sown after the paddy harvest.

Effects of stubble burning:

• Air Pollution: Stubble burning releases a significant amount of toxic pollutants such as methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants form a thick blanket of smog, causing serious respiratory issues and contributing to the degradation of air quality in urban and rural areas, particularly around Delhi.

• Impact on Soil Fertility: The burning process destroys essential nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen and carbon. This leads to decreased soil fertility, which affects crop yields in subsequent planting seasons.

• Heat Penetration and Microbial Loss: The intense heat from burning penetrates the soil surface, resulting in the loss of moisture and destruction of beneficial soil microbes, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and maintaining soil health.

Alternatives to stubble burning:

• Technological Solutions: The Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) is an innovative machine that uproots stubble and simultaneously plants wheat seeds. It leaves the stubble on the surface as mulch, preventing the need for burning and improving soil moisture retention.

• Other Practices: Encouraging farmers to adopt techniques like zero-tillage farming, where crops are planted without clearing the previous crop residue.

• Conversion of stubble into biofuel or compost can provide economic returns to farmers while minimising environmental harm.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)