NGT directs Center to submit report on stubble burning in North India within 6 weeks

New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Secretary,Ministry of Agriculture to submit a status report within six weeks on the crop residue burning in North India. The tribunal has directed the Secretary to ensure enforcement of its earlier direction with regard to providing machines to poor farmers to prevent burning and air pollution in Northern states, especially Haryana and Punjab.

It is a matter of grave concern that crop residue burning pollutes the air over New Delhi and adjoining areas.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel has directed the Centre to give the feedback about the steps taken to prevent crop residue burning and providing infrastructural support to poor and marginal farmers.

As per estimate of the Niti Ayog, the farmers are required to be educated at a cost of Rs 700 crore. The report dated June 5, 2017 mentioned equipments available for the purpose. However, the poor farmers are unable to afford the cost of machines. Moreover, in situ degradation of paddy straw may help the soil. The central government has set aside a sum of Rs 685 crore for helping the farmers. Still, stubble burning continues.