Supreme Court Orders Action on Crop Burning Crisis in Delhi

India's Supreme Court has demanded reports within a week on measures to curb crop residue burning by farmers, which exacerbates Delhi's pollution. Despite governmental efforts and penalties for burning, farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh persist in the practice, creating a toxic smog across the capital region.

India's Supreme Court has intensified efforts to combat the severe pollution crisis in Delhi by demanding an urgent report from authorities on measures to halt the burning of crop residue by farmers.

This practice, predominantly in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, results in harmful smog engulfing the capital. Despite existing penalties and initiatives to stop this, farmers continue their traditional methods due to economic pressures and vast agricultural landscapes.

The Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management for its ineffective follow-ups and pointed out nominal penalties collected from a few individuals compared to the scale of the issue. Delhi currently ranks high among the world's most polluted cities, with experts warning air quality will worsen as farm fires intensify.

(With inputs from agencies.)