Centre doubles penalty on stubble-burning

Taking a stern step to tackle the worsening air quality crisis in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Central government has doubled the penalty for stubble-burning amid such incidents continuing across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

This action follows a stern directive from the Supreme Court, which criticised the Centre for insufficient action in curbing air pollution affecting millions in Delhi and NCR.

The revised fines are aimed at dissuading farmers from burning crop residue—a practice that significantly contributes to the toxic smog blanketing the region.

As per the notification, under the revised rules, the Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986 has been amended to expedite and strengthen enforcement measures. The penalties, now applicable under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, are structured according to farm size: farmers with less than two acres will face a Rs 5,000 fine; those with two to five acres, Rs 10,000; and those owning over five acres, Rs 30,000. These fines mark a significant increase from previous rates, which were set at Rs 2,500, Rs 5,000, and Rs 15,000, respectively.