Strict Liability In Case Of Pollution Caused By Stubble Burning

Anubhav Upadhyay, LLB, Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi

Air pollution has always been a topic of concern, especially in a country like ours. Due to ever- growing industries and burgeoning emissions by factories, vehicles, and various other significant factors, the environment we are living in is problematic and treacherous. Especially if we talk about the capital of our nation which is the NCT of Delhi where there’s an environmental crisis going on. Air Pollution kills approximately 1.5 million people annually and is probably one of the biggest killers in India.

According to WHO (world health organization) Delhi tops the chart when it comes to air pollution as well as if we talk about the death rate due to chronic respiratory diseases and asthma, India is again at the top in Delhi has a critical contribution.

One of the most significant causes of pollution in Delhi is STUBBLE BURNING-

STUBBLE BURNING is the burning of crop residue intentionally in order to remove it from the field and get it ready so that the next crop can be sown. There was a time when stubble burning was practiced by farmers across the world as it was a cheap and quick method to get rid of crop residues but with time, as concerns started to grow for the environment, many governments started prohibiting it at various degrees and even completely banning it many nations including India but unfortunately even after stringent laws, the practice continues and farmers give the reason of lack of feasible alternatives to clear their fields of the stubble.