The states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have failed to comply with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives on air pollution resulting from crop residue burning.

The NGT on Friday (August 11) came down heavily on the states—Punjab submitted an action plan, though nothing much has happened on the ground—and warned their counsels to apply the order on the ground and file the status reports within a week. The court said if orders were not carried out the bench will order the Registrar General to write a letter to treasurers of the Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to seal the official bank accounts of these governments.

On the last date of hearing, the green court had taken a stern view of the fact that despite the orders and judgment of the NGT, the states failed to comply with the directions and take precautionary and controlling measures for air pollution resulting from crop burning.

It was at the last hearing that the NGT gave the last and final opportunity for the states to file action plans with complete accountability and elements of performance, within one week.

The bench directed the secretaries of these states to be present on the next date of hearing, which is August 21.

—India Legal Bureau