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VOL. 12, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Stubble burning in India: Evaluating the effectiveness of national green tribunal guidelines and legal challenges
Authors
Nakul Sihag, Taranjot Singh
Abstract
Stubble burning in North-western India is a critical
socio-environmental crisis, an unintended consequence of the post-Green
Revolution agricultural paradigm. The dominant paddy-wheat monoculture,
combined with mechanized harvesting, leaves farmers with vast crop residue and
a narrow 10–15-day window for field preparation, making burning a widespread
practice. This annual incineration releases hazardous pollutants, causing
severe air quality degradation, public health emergencies, and environmental
damage. This paper critically evaluates the effectiveness of judicial
interventions, particularly the guidelines from the National Green Tribunal
(NGT), in mitigating this issue. The analysis is framed within constitutional
mandates, including the Right to Life under Article 21, and principles of
environmental jurisprudence. Key findings reveal a significant gap between
judicial mandates and on-ground implementation. While technological solutions
like in-situ and ex-situ residue management have been promoted, leading to some
reduction in fire incidents, their success is limited. This disparity is
driven by deep-rooted economic constraints on farmers, systemic policy lock-ins
favouring the paddy-wheat cycle, and acute logistical challenges. A purely
punitive or technology-centric approach has proven insufficient. The paper
concludes by advocating for an integrated strategy that combines enhanced
financial support for farmers, policy incentives for crop diversification,
strengthened enforcement, and proactive community engagement. Such a holistic
framework is essential to foster a transition towards sustainable agriculture
and achieve a lasting resolution.
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Pages:1-8
How to cite this article:
Nakul Sihag, Taranjot Singh "Stubble burning in India: Evaluating the effectiveness of national green tribunal guidelines and legal challenges". International Journal of Law, Vol 12, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 1-8
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