Just like enforcing law to prevent other crimes, state has to stop crop burning: NGT

Expressing dissatisfaction over steps taken by the states to curb stubble burning, the National Green Tribunal has said that just like enforcing law to prevent other crimes, the state governments have to own responsibility to prevent air pollution.

The green panel said the fact remains that in spite of efforts made by the authorities, burning of crop is still taking place on the ground level with all its adverse consequences on public health and environment for which no officer is being held accountable.

"Just like enforcing law to prevent other crimes, the State has to own responsibility to enforce law to prevent pollution. The States are not doing this effectively. The States must take appropriate action against failure of its officers for preventing pollution caused by crop burning in such manner as may be appropriate.

"The strategy may be creating awareness, giving incentives or taking punitive action. It is unfortunate that the States have failed to perform its duty and have ...