The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday doubled the penalties for stubble burning, besides introducing new rules in Delhi and surrounding areas. The decision comes after the Supreme Court‘s comment on the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, and its small fines for stubble burning as ‘toothless’.

Key Amendments To Stubble Burning Penalties

The central government on Thursday announced an amendment to the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Rules of 2023 that deals with the imposition, collection and utilization of environmental compensation for stubble burning.

As per the provisions of the new rules, farmers with an area of land of less than two acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 5,000 followed by farmers with land area of two acres or more but less than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 10,000. Lastly, farmers with an area of land of more than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 30,000.

Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Amendment Rules, 2024 to come into effect.

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Farmer having an area of land of less than two acres shall… pic.twitter.com/OBDD3pEQH2

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These changes reflect the amendment to the rules governing the imposition of environmental compensation for stubble burning under the Commission for Air Quality Management. The amendment to the rules for stubble burning aims to standardise the penalty structure and aims to enforce these rules with considerations for farmers with small land size.

Rising Pollution Levels Trigger Urgent Measures

This decision comes amid the rising pollution levels in the national capital with Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400 mark, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) India.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated on Wednesday that stubble burning harms the health of the farmers and highlighted that the government has provided numerous machines with subsidies.

“We appeal to farmers not to burn stubble, as it harms both the environment and public health. The government has made available various machines at subsidised rates. Farmers can also profit by selling stubble, and we encourage them to explore these options,” the Haryana CM said. 

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