Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding preponing of paddy planation from 20th June to 13th June, 07/11/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Jai Gopal Dhiman Vs Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab & Others dated 07/11/2019 regarding preponing of paddy planation from 20th June to 13th June will lead to depletion of ground water level.
Report submitted by a four member Committee comprising Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB) and Scientist each named by Punjab and Haryana Agriculture Universities stated that the availability of short duration varieties provides the means for availing water saving benefits of transportation from June 20th onwards and the straw burning issue is also resolved due to availability of straw management technologies which allows for retention/incorporation/removal of straw without resorting to burning.
The report concludes that shifting of transplanting date to 20th June would help in conserving "groundwater resources and would not add to air pollution due to stubble burning.”
The counsel for the applicant pointed out that preponing the date would create more depletion of groundwater, but the Tribunal disposed of the application saying that "preponing the date will have more window for the next crop and help in the air quality."