Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Fines Amid Pollution Crisis

Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Fines as Delhi Battles Pollution

“Aakhir Tak – In Shorts”

• The Centre has increased fines for stubble burning to combat pollution.
• Farmers with under two acres will face a ₹5,000 fine.
• Farmers with two to five acres will pay ₹10,000, while those with more than five acres face a ₹30,000 fine.
• The new rules are effective immediately as part of pollution control.
• Complaints will be managed by pollution control boards and CAQM, with clear resolution guidelines.

“Aakhir Tak – In Depth”

Amid severe air pollution in parts of India, the Centre has raised penalties for stubble burning. According to the new rules, farmers with less than two acres of land will be fined ₹5,000, those with between two and five acres will face a fine of ₹10,000, and those with over five acres will incur a penalty of ₹30,000. This decision, effective immediately, aims to improve air quality in Delhi and surrounding regions.

This amendment is part of the government’s stricter approach under the 2021 Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act. The new regulations are officially titled “Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection, and Utilisation of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Amendment Rules, 2024.”

The Centre has also set guidelines for addressing pollution-related complaints, handled by pollution control boards and CAQM. These boards will conduct inquiries and resolve grievances, addressing previous criticisms from the Supreme Court, which had described earlier penalties as “ineffective.”

The Supreme Court previously criticized the penalties as “toothless” due to delays in appointing officers and establishing a regulatory framework. It also recently questioned the Delhi government over its implementation of a firecracker ban, noting that enforcement had been inadequate.

The government’s recent measures aim to tackle the severe pollution crisis that Delhi and nearby regions face each year. On Thursday, areas like Anand Vihar, Bawana, Mundka, and Wazirpur recorded air quality in the ‘severe’ category, while others fell into the ‘very poor’ range. A thick layer of smog has shrouded the city, creating hazardous air conditions.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• The Centre has increased fines for stubble burning to control pollution.
• Under the new rules, fines go up to ₹30,000.
• The Supreme Court had previously ordered strict enforcement of these rules.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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