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

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

Delhi HC's order

According to reports, after the Supreme Court's order, the Delhi High Court on Monday afternoon stated that the Chief Secretaries of states, Tehsildar of a tehsil, Police Commissioner, Collectors and Gram Panchayats will be held responsible for the incidents of stubble burning that may take place in the 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 the northern states of Punjab and Haryana have stated that they will continue burning their crop residue irrespective of actions taken against them by the State Governments. Stubble burning picks up in early winter as farmers clear their fields to make way for winter crops. The 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 the 'severe' category

According to System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city at 11.30 am stood at over 500 which falls in the '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 the 'severe-plus emergency' category. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, earlier, had announced that all schools in the national capital will be shut till November 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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