As the Kharif harvesting season commences, Punjab and Haryana face the persistent challenge of stubble burning. On October 16, the Supreme Court criticised both states for their lack of effective measures to combat stubble burning,

The Supreme Court summoned Punjab and Haryana's Chief Secretaries, demanding explanations for the lack of legal action against stubble burning despite directives. The court criticized both states for imposing only nominal fines and ignoring severe air pollution issues,

Why are the states shying from prosecuting people for stubble burning and allowing them to escape with nominal fines," the bench remarked.

The Supreme Court criticized Punjab and Haryana for inadequate action on stubble burning, summoning their chief secretaries for non-compliance. The court termed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as a 'toothless tiger' and directed penal action against state officers.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rapped the Haryana and Punjab governments over non-prosecution of violators found guilty of stubble burning and summoned the state chief secretaries to appear before it on October 23 and submit an explanation.

Stubble burning increases in Haryana but decreases in Punjab, impacting air quality and paddy harvesting, leading to regulatory enforcement.