Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Fines: Farmers Now Face Rs 30,000 Penalty

The Centre has increased penalties for farmers engaging in crop stubble burning in an effort to combat air pollution. As per the latest notification, farmers with less than two acres will now face a fine of Rs 5,000, those with two to five acres will be charged Rs 10,000, and those with over five acres will incur a hefty Rs 30,000 penalty. This hike in fines follows criticism from the Supreme Court, which described the previous penalties as “toothless” against the escalating environmental damage. The court noted that earlier fines lacked effectiveness, partly due to delays in appointing adjudicating officers and implementing a regulatory framework.

The new guidelines also introduce a process for managing pollution-related complaints, designating pollution control boards and the Commission for Air Quality Management as responsible bodies. The amendment includes rules for conducting inquiries and handling pollution complaints more efficiently, a measure seen as vital for addressing air quality concerns.

In response to deteriorating air conditions, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched an anti-waste-burning campaign, starting Wednesday, to address the capital’s severe pollution levels. As Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached a concerning 356 on Wednesday morning, placing it in the “very poor” category, the city remains engulfed in smog, with temperatures unusually high for the season, leading to hazardous conditions for residents.

This increase in fines forms part of a larger government strategy to tackle pollution more effectively, aiming to create a consistent approach to handling environmental violations across the country.