The Supreme Court has expressed concerns about the singular focus on farm fires as the primary cause of Delhi's persistent air pollution. During a hearing on Monday, the court emphasized that the narrative surrounding the burning of agricultural residue should not become a political issue or a matter of ego, stressing that multiple factors contribute to the worsening air quality in the National Capital Region.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, questioned why clear blue skies were visible during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, despite the presence of stubble burning. This observation challenges the notion that farm fires are the sole determinant of Delhi's air quality. The court has directed the central government to submit a report within a week on effective measures taken to prevent pollution from sources other than stubble burning, such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollution.
The Supreme Court's intervention comes amidst claims from the government that paddy stubble burning cases have significantly decreased. The government informed Parliament that Punjab and Haryana recorded approximately 90 percent fewer farm fire incidents during the 2025 paddy harvesting season compared to 2022. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav acknowledged that air pollution in Delhi-NCR arises from various local and regional factors, with stubble burning being an episodic event.
As part of its efforts, the government has distributed over 2.6 lakh crop residue management machines to individual farmers. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed states to ensure the rent-free availability of these machines to small and marginal farmers. The government also noted that Delhi recorded 200 "good" air quality days (AQI less than 200) so far in 2025, a substantial increase from 110 in 2016.
The Supreme Court has also criticized the Delhi government's lack of enforcement regarding the burning of firecrackers during Diwali, despite a ban. The Justices voiced concerns over Delhi's failure to implement stricter measures to control cracker burning, which is another major source of air pollution.
The court has directed the CAQM to analyze the steps taken to curb air pollution and submit short-term and long-term plans to improve the city's air quality. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for December 10. The Supreme Court emphasized that it cannot remain a mute spectator while the air in the National Capital turns toxic, affecting millions of people. The court seeks a science-backed solution and cautioned against singling out farmers, stating that they need to be sensitized and provided with the necessary machinery to avoid stubble burning. The court also noted that if a farmer is burning stubble, it is also for an asset, it's a commodity.
