SC Says Farmers Need Support, Not Blame, as Delhi Air Quality Crisis Deepens
image source: PTI via thedailyjagran
The Supreme Court of India, while hearing the matter of Delhi’s worsening air quality on Monday, made a strong observation that farmers should not be the sole target of blame for the capital’s recurring pollution crisis. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, stressed that farmers must be “sensitised” and provided with machinery to prevent stubble burning instead of being criticised each year.
The court noted that Delhi’s air pollution issue cannot be treated as a “seasonal formality” or addressed only during peak pollution months. The CJI stated that the matter would continue to be heard regularly, emphasising that meaningful improvements in air quality had followed their recent interventions.
Key Moments
During the hearing, the bench took a firm stand against the routine politicisation of stubble burning. The court said the issue should not turn into a matter of ego or become a convenient narrative to shift responsibility onto farmers who are often underrepresented.
The CJI pointed out that Delhi’s air quality crisis demands a coordinated and science-based approach, adding that all stakeholders—including central authorities, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and state governments—must work collectively and consistently.
The Supreme Court reminded the CAQM and the Centre that no agency can remain passive, especially when the health of millions of citizens is at stake. The CJI said the system cannot presume that the pollution problem has no solution.
SC Asks CAQM to Review Its Action Plan
The bench directed CAQM to analyse the effectiveness of the steps taken so far and to clearly identify both short-term and long-term measures to address Delhi’s air quality. The court also asked the commission to assess whether its interventions have met “legitimate expectations.”
The CAQM, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, informed the court that detailed plans have been prepared after discussions with all state governments. These plans cover the major contributors to pollution, including stubble burning, vehicle emissions, road dust, construction-related pollution, and the burning of garbage and biomass.
SC Questions Whether Stubble Burning Is Being Overstated
The bench made a significant remark regarding the widely held belief that stubble burning is the primary cause of Delhi’s poor air quality. The CJI noted that farm fires were being overemphasised in public discourse.
He highlighted that even during the Covid-19 lockdown—when stubble burning still took place—the capital witnessed clear blue skies. This, he said, indicates that the issue requires deeper scientific investigation, and authorities must identify the largest contributing factor with clarity.
The court reiterated that farmers should not be made scapegoats. Instead, they should receive support in the form of modern farm equipment and awareness programmes, ensuring that they can adopt sustainable alternatives without facing economic hardship.
Court Demands Data-Driven, Science-Based Solutions
The Supreme Court emphasized that identifying the biggest component of pollution is necessary for long-term solutions. The bench repeatedly stressed the importance of data-backed decision-making, saying that placing the burden solely on farmers will not resolve the crisis.
The court added that farmers require proper guidance, resources, and machines such as Happy Seeders, mulchers, and other residue-management tools. This support, the bench said, is far more effective than punitive approaches or political blame games.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s remarks underline the complexity of Delhi’s pollution crisis and the need to shift from blame to solutions. By urging authorities to introspect and prioritize scientific analysis, the court has pushed for a more balanced approach—one that recognises the economic challenges of farmers while demanding accountability from institutional bodies tasked with managing the capital’s air quality.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Supreme Court’s observations mark an important shift in the narrative around Delhi’s air pollution. Instead of placing disproportionate focus on stubble burning, the court has called for a comprehensive, science-backed strategy that acknowledges every contributing factor. Supporting farmers with the right tools and awareness is a long-term investment in cleaner air, and coordinated action from the Centre, CAQM, and state governments will be essential. The coming months will reveal whether these directions lead to practical improvements on the ground.