Stubble burning: SC suspends committee after Centre assures new legislation

The Supreme Court on Monday (October 26) suspended the one-man committee which was appointed to monitor steps taken to tackle stubble burning in Delhi’s neighbouring states.

The move came after the Centre assured the top court that it would appoint a permanent body through legislation to deal with the problem of air pollution in Delhi-national capital region (NCR).

Representing the government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the new legislation will be brought within three or four days and asked the court to suspend the Lokur Committee, NDTV reported. He added that the Centre had taken a “holistic view” of the matter.

Related News: SC appoints judge to monitor stubble burning

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde passed the order. “The only issue is people are choking because of pollution and it is something which must be curbed,” the bench said.

On October 16, the Supreme Court had appointed retired apex court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur to monitor stubble burning in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Quoting sources in the Environment Ministry, NDTV said the permanent body will not only monitor stubble burning but also pollution in Delhi and NCR region.

“This is being done to set up a permanent body not only for stubble burning, but also for pollution in Delhi and NCR region,” said top sources.

The new body will replace the EPCA – Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority – led by Bhure Lal, sources added.

On Monday, after Dussehra, Delhi’s air quality fell to “very poor” category. On Sunday, it was “severe” in three areas.