Chief Justice BR Gavai led the bench. He said the pollution crisis demands strong steps, yet the government must also protect vulnerable workers. The court asked all four state governments to issue relief payments immediately. It also told them to monitor implementation regularly.

GRAP-3 restrictions began on November 11 after pollution levels crossed the severe mark in the NCR. Under this stage, most non-essential construction activities must stop. The rules also curb BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, limit fuel-based industrial operations, suspend offline classes up to Class 5, and restrict the use of diesel generators. These steps aim to reduce emissions during peak pollution.

Meanwhile, the court raised questions about AQI readings in Delhi. Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh informed the bench about videos showing water sprinkling near pollution-monitoring stations. She claimed that such actions could distort readings. The court asked the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit explaining their equipment and its accuracy.

The bench also discussed stubble burning. It noted that incidents may be underreported. The court therefore directed the Centre and state governments to help farmers with alternatives so they do not depend on burning crop residue. It also asked Punjab and Haryana to enforce CAQM’s guidelines issued on November 13.

A petitioner sought a complete halt to construction in Delhi. The court declined. It said experts created GRAP after scientific study. And a total shutdown would destroy livelihoods.

With winter pollution rising each year, the court said it will now hear pollution-related matters every month.

The post Supreme Court Orders Relief for Workers as GRAP-3 Triggers Construction Ban appeared first on India Podcast.

The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, brought together senior officials and leadership from northern states. During her address, Gupta strongly advocated for tougher restrictions on crop-residue burning, stringent monitoring of industrial emissions, better road-dust management, and a shift toward zero-emission inter-state public transport. She also stressed that all participating states must share accountability to ensure measurable improvement.

Her renewed appeal comes at a time when Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate sharply. According to CPCB readings recorded at 4 pm, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 351, falling in the ‘very poor’ category and raising significant public health concerns, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Gupta’s remarks follow strong criticism from the Supreme Court toward Punjab and Haryana over what the bench called “inadequate and cosmetic efforts” to control farm fires. The apex court demanded concrete action plans and transparent data reporting from both states as pollution levels worsen across the NCR.

Delhi saw 27 polluted days in October, with several spells in the ‘severe’ category. Environmental experts say stubble-burning smoke alone contributes over 22% of PM2.5 levels on peak days. They continue to recommend multi-level solutions including wider adoption of technologies like the happy seeder to prevent burning.

Public pressure is also rising, with residents staging protests demanding immediate, results-driven action rather than repeated policy assurances.

The post Rekha Gupta Delhi Air Pollution Appeal: CM Seeks Urgent Joint Action From Neighbouring States appeared first on India Podcast.

During a Supreme Court hearing on November 13, Justice PS Narsimha urged lawyers to use virtual facilities, saying, “Even masks are not enough. The pollution will cause permanent damage.” His comments came as visibility dropped across the city, and smog blanketed major areas like India Gate and Kartavya Path.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bawana recorded the highest AQI level at 460, while NSIT Dwarka had the lowest at 216. Around India Gate, the air was in the ‘very poor’ category at 396.

The Court has also directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to file reports on measures to control stubble burning — a major seasonal cause of the Delhi pollution peaks each winter. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted that vehicular emissions are still the main contributors to PM2.5 levels, while stubble burning can add up to 30% of Delhi’s pollution.

The post Delhi Pollution Peaks: Supreme Court Raises Health Alarm appeared first on India Podcast.

According to data from the Consortium for Research of Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) under IARI, New Delhi, the fires were detected through satellite imagery.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian maintained that the state administration is making serious efforts to curb the practice. “Most farmers are using machines for residue management. The few fires visible are likely in areas inaccessible to equipment,” Khuddian said. He also pointed out that farmers have largely realized the negative impact of burning residue on soil health and are adopting sustainable methods.

Taking note of deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, a bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai asked both Punjab and Haryana to provide reports detailing their efforts to prevent farm fires.

Punjab officials highlighted that the number of stubble-burning cases has dropped significantly over the past three years — from nearly 50,000 in 2022 to just over 10,900 in 2024, marking a 70% decline. Despite Wednesday’s 155 incidents, total fire cases this season stand at 4,662, which is still lower than last year’s figures.

Following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Punjab has established a “Parali Protection Force” to monitor and prevent stubble burning. Around 10,000 personnel, including nodal officers and field coordinators, have been deployed across over 11,000 villages. These teams submit daily action reports through a dedicated mobile app developed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).

Khuddian added that the state has sanctioned nearly 22,000 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines to assist farmers in reducing stubble burning.

The post SC Pulls Up Punjab as 155 New Farm Fires Reported appeared first on India Podcast.

Over the next three days, minimum temperatures are likely to stay stable but 2°C to 4°C below normal levels. In the past 24 hours, the state’s average maximum temperature has fallen by around 0.5°C. The highest temperature of the season was recorded in Samrala at 29.9°C.

Meanwhile, air quality across Punjab remains a major concern, with pollution levels rising in several cities. Mandi Gobindgarh is currently the most polluted city, reporting an AQI of 206. Other cities recorded high levels too — Bathinda (192), Jalandhar (158), Khanna (169), and Ludhiana (163). In contrast, Chandigarh’s air quality remained relatively better, with AQI readings between 72 and 83 across its three monitoring stations.

Experts attribute the rising pollution primarily to stubble burning by farmers. This year, the number of stubble-burning incidents has significantly increased. Between September 15 and November 11, a total of 4,507 cases were reported, compared to 1,642 cases up to October 31. With the wheat sowing season underway, farmers have intensified efforts to clear leftover crop residue.

Authorities have taken action in 1,147 cases, imposing fines worth ₹1 crore, of which ₹92 lakh has already been collected. To control stubble burning, 781 nodal officers have been deployed across the state.

The post Punjab Weather Air Pollution Update: Cold Wave Grips State appeared first on India Podcast.

Amritsar follows with 135 cases, while Ferozepur reported 66. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has fined violators ₹13.25 lakh and recovered ₹8.95 lakh. Police have filed 215 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for stubble burning violations. Tarn Taran alone saw 68 FIRs.

The farm fire issue in Tarn Taran also worsened Punjab’s air quality. The AQI levels stood at 198 in Ludhiana, 165 in Jalandhar, and 200 in Mandi Gobindgarh— all in the ‘moderate’ range.

Meanwhile, 18 farmers in Sangrur were honoured for avoiding stubble burning. Officials praised them as local heroes for protecting nature and inspiring others.

The post Tarn Taran Leads in Farm Fire Incidents appeared first on India Podcast.

Ram Singh Bhaini Bagha, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leader, said the farmer had burnt a small portion of residue as a protest after waiting twelve days for a baler. The police later assured that no action would be taken, and the team was released around 8 p.m. Farmers warned that if any action follows, they will gherao the police station next time.

SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena called it a routine issue. Many farmers have shared videos of burning stubble, blaming the state for not offering financial help or machinery, even after Supreme Court and NGT directives. The Punjab farmers stubble burning protest highlights growing anger over unfulfilled government promises.

The post Punjab Farmers Protest Over Stubble Burning Action in Mansa appeared first on India Podcast.

Under Sarpanch Amarjit Kaur’s guidance, the village has rented a baler machine. Farmers can use it for free to make stubble bales. They just need to register with the panchayat or the welfare society. Gurmeet Singh Mann, patron of the society, announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for the village if every farmer avoids burning stubble.

Earlier, farmers who used direct seeding of rice and skipped burning got ₹500 per acre. Gram Sevak Paramjit Singh Bhullar said Balloh also runs projects like plastic waste collection, mini-forests, and Thapar-model ponds. These small steps are creating big change.

The Balloh village stubble burning initiative is helping people live cleaner, greener lives. Balloh now stands as a model of good governance and eco-friendly farming in Punjab.

The post Punjab’s Balloh Village Leads Green Revolution Against Stubble Burning appeared first on India Podcast.

Union leaders said ASHAs are part of the health system, not law enforcement. “We work for public health, not to patrol fields,” said a protest leader. Their main duties are maternal care, vaccination, and community health. Checking stubble burning, they said, risks their health and creates tension with farmers.

The government included both ASHA and Anganwadi workers in its “zero stubble burning” plan. They were told to create awareness and report farm fires. ASHA unions called this unfair and said it adds to their already heavy workload.

Workers said they have not received incentives for months. Each earns only ₹2,500–₹3,000 monthly. They warned that protests will spread across Punjab if the order isn’t withdrawn.

The post Punjab ASHA Workers Protest Against Stubble-Burning Duties appeared first on India Podcast.

Farmers also opposed the delay in paddy procurement. They said slow government buying forced them to sell crops cheaply to private traders. At Mansa, BKU (Ugrahan) leader Shingara Singh Mann demanded Rs 200 per quintal or Rs 7,000 per acre to manage stubble. In Muktsar, farmers sought Rs 25,000 crore as flood relief, Rs 70,000 per acre for damaged crops, and Rs 25 lakh for families of victims. They also demanded the withdrawal of FIRs filed for stubble burning. The Punjab farmers protest reflected their anger and need for quick help.

The post Punjab Farmers Protest Over Flood Negligence and Anti-Farmer Policies appeared first on India Podcast.