Supreme Court orders withdrawal of paddy MSP, switch to traditional crops to combat pollution from non-local cultivation and burning

The SC addressed pollution issues related to non-local paddy cultivation and crop burning. The Court determined that paddy cultivation, being non-local and not consumed locally, forms the basis of pollution problems. The Court directed switching to alternative crops by withdrawing MSP for paddy and providing it for traditional crops instead. The Court criticized Delhi Government's Odd-Even vehicle restriction as unscientific, suggesting orange-stickered vehicle bans as alternative. The Court emphasized proactive environmental measures and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Delhi Government was ordered to report Environment Compensation Charge collection and utilization details, with matter listed for November 10, 2023.

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The Supreme Court addressed the issue of crop burning in Delhi due to the persistent problem of pollution. The Court emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to tackle the issue and highlighted various suggestions presented by counsels to mitigate the problem. The key issues considered in the judgment are as follows:1. Economic reasons leading to crop burning: - The farmers burn stubble due to economic reasons and non-adherence to alternative solutions. - Suggestions included providing alternative solutions free of cost to farmers. - The State of Punjab proposed bearing 25% of the cost while urging the Central Government to bear 50%. - The need to phase out paddy cultivation due to its impact on the water table and explore alternative crops with minimum support prices.2. Misuse of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy: - Misuse of MSP for paddy by bringing paddy from adjacent states to claim benefits. - The Court emphasized the need to reconsider the cultivation of specific types of paddy causing the problem.3. Legal framework and immediate measures: - Reference to the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, 2009, and its impact on pollution due to delayed sowing. - Directives to Punjab and neighboring states to stop crop burning immediately and hold responsible officials accountable.4. Alternative solutions and environmental initiatives: - Suggestions to produce ethanol from maize and utilize PUSA DE-Composer to address stubble burning. - Direction to ensure the functionality of a smog tower and real-time monitoring of pollution sources. - Compliance orders for releasing pollution data, operationalizing the smog tower, and monitoring waste burning.5. Vehicular pollution control measures: - Implementation status of colored-coded stickers for vehicles and the need for compliance by all concerned states. - Consideration of banning vehicles with orange stickers and monitoring taxis registered in Delhi during the pollution period. - Requirement for the Delhi Government to report on the utilization of Environment Compensation Charge.The Court stressed the importance of immediate action and coordination among stakeholders to address the pollution crisis effectively. The judgment highlighted the need for sustainable solutions, enforcement of environmental laws, and active participation from all relevant authorities to combat pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas.

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