SC summons Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and UP over stubble burning

Addressing issue of high pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, Supreme Court of India on Monday, vember 4, has summoned  Chief Secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana over issue of stubble burning. According to reports, SC has directed Central Government and Delhi Government to tackle issue of pollution and smog in national capital with help of experts. According to reports, stubble burning is found most in se three states, leading to increased pollution levels. 

Delhi HC's order

According to reports, after Supreme Court's order, Delhi High Court on Monday afteron stated that Chief Secretaries of states, Tehsildar of a tehsil, Police Commissioner, Collectors and Gram Panchayats will be held responsible for incidents of stubble burning that may take place in three states of Haryana, UP and Punjab. 

Read: SC calls for urgent Centre & State govt action into pollution crisis

Farmers refuse to stop stubble burning

As per reports, farmers in rrn states of Punjab and Haryana have stated that y will continue burning ir crop residue irrespective of actions taken against m by State Governments. Stubble burning picks up in early winter as farmers clear ir fields to make way for winter crops. smoke from this has been contributing to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Read: WATCH: Smoke engulfs Punjab highway, visibility dips drastically

Delhi's Air Quality falls into 'severe' category

According to System of Air Quality Wear Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of city at 11.30 am stood at over 500 which falls in 'severe' category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. Above 500 falls in 'severe-plus emergency' category. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, earlier, had anunced that all schools in national capital will be shut till vember 5, after a Supreme Court-mandated panel had declared a public health emergency in Delhi. 

Read: Punjab farmers continue stubble burning as capital Delhi chokes

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