HARYANA GOVT CRACKS DOWN ON ERRANT FARMERS AFTER SC REBUKE

Farmers burning crop waste to face legal action, may be denied MSP benefits

- NEERAJ MOHAN

In response to mounting pressure from the Supreme Court over its failure to control stubble burning, the Haryana government has issued strict directives to take punitive action against farmers who violate the ban. Officials have been instructed to register FIRs and pursue legal prosecution under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) norms.

According to the new orders issued by the state's Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, FIRs must be lodged against all farmers who burn paddy crop residue during the current season, starting from September 15. The letter also mandates a "Red Mark Entry" in the farm records of violators, a move aimed at blocking their ability to sell crops in government mandis through the e-Kharid portal for the next two seasons.