Haryana, Punjab swing into action

Ahead of a crucial Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday, the governments of Haryana and Punjab have ramped up actions against stubble burning as air quality in the Delhi NCR region continues to deteriorate.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

The hearing, which summons the Chief Secretaries of both states, comes after the apex court reprimanded them for failing to curb the practice that contributes significantly to the capital's pollution during winter months.

In Haryana, authorities arrested 18 farmers in Kaithal district over the weekend for burning crop residue, while the state agriculture department suspended 24 officials for their inability to contain such incidents. Among those suspended are officials from multiple districts, including Panipat, Karnal, Sonepat, and Kurukshetra. The aggressive measures were undertaken under the direct orders of Haryana Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad, who instructed district administrations to take swift action to prevent further pollution.