The NGT directed multiple states to maximize efforts in improving air quality, emphasizing efficient use of funds from NCAP and the 15th Finance Commission. Concerned over varying AQI levels in cities like Delhi and Punjab, the tribunal noted underutilization of allocated funds and stressed their prompt and specific use for air quality enhancement. States were instructed to submit progress reports within eight weeks, with the next hearing set for December 19.
Acknowledging that farm fire incidents were now on the wane, the bench, in an order passed on Wednesday, said according to the report, there were no incidents of farm fires in Haryana, while only 18 were reported in Punjab on November 28. It said the issue of paddy residue burning arose mainly between September 15 and November 30.
The green panel also took on record a report by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas which tabulated the actual count of incidents of stubble burning in 2022 and the targets for reducing them during the current year.