The Indian government has taken a more stringent approach to combat the practice of crop stubble burning, a major contributor to the worsening air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. In a bid to reduce the severity of the air quality crisis, the Centre has raised the penalties for farmers found burning stubble. These new fines, which have been implemented immediately, are designed to deter farmers from engaging in this environmentally harmful practice. According to the updated regulations, farmers with less than two acres of land will now face a fine of Rs 5,000. Those with land between two to five acres will be penalized Rs 10,000, and farmers with land exceeding five acres will face the highest fine of Rs 30,000.
The new rules have been framed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection, and Utilisation of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Amendment Rules, 2024. This move marks a significant step in addressing the chronic air pollution problem that intensifies every winter when large-scale stubble burning becomes common across the northern states, particularly Punjab and Haryana. These fines are part of a broader government initiative to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of crop residue burning, which is often used by farmers to quickly clear their fields after harvesting.
In addition to the increased penalties, the new regulations also lay down a clear framework for how complaints related to pollution should be handled. Both the pollution control boards and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will be responsible for managing these complaints, with detailed guidelines for conducting investigations and addressing public grievances. The aim is to streamline the enforcement process, ensuring that penalties are applied more effectively and consistently across affected regions.
The government’s decision to raise the penalties comes after mounting criticism from the Supreme Court of India. In earlier hearings, the court had described the penalties for stubble burning as ineffective, pointing out that the fines imposed were often not substantial enough to deter farmers from continuing the practice. The court had also highlighted the delay in the appointment of adjudicating officers, which hampered the swift enforcement of penalties. In its ruling, the Supreme Court stressed the need for a more robust regulatory framework to ensure that the fines were enforced promptly and efficiently.Â
Furthermore, the Supreme Court has also recently criticized the Delhi government over the weak implementation of its firecracker ban. While the ban on firecrackers was intended to reduce pollution during the Diwali festival, the court found that the ban had not been effectively enforced, and the city had continued to experience severe air quality deterioration. In response to this, the court instructed the Delhi Police commissioner to submit an affidavit outlining the steps taken to enforce the ban, underscoring the need for more decisive action.
The issue of air pollution has become a matter of urgent concern in Delhi, especially during the winter months when the combination of stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution results in dangerous levels of smog. On Thursday, the air quality in several areas of Delhi, including Anand Vihar, Bawana, Mundka, and Wazirpur, was recorded in the 'severe' category, indicating hazardous levels of pollution. Many other parts of the city were categorized as experiencing 'very poor' air quality. This has further exacerbated the health crisis, as thick smog blankets the capital, leading to an increase in respiratory issues and posing significant risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The thick layer of smog that envelops the city not only impacts the physical health of residents but also disrupts daily life. Poor air quality has led to visibility issues, affecting transportation, while health warnings have been issued to limit outdoor activity. The government is under increasing pressure to take immediate and effective action to tackle the root causes of the pollution and provide relief to the residents of Delhi.
The rise in fines for stubble burning, while a step in the right direction, is just one piece of the puzzle in the broader battle to improve air quality in the capital. Addressing the complex factors contributing to pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and the burning of crop residue, requires a multi-pronged approach. Additionally, better support systems for farmers to adopt alternative practices for clearing their fields without resorting to burning stubble are essential. The success of the new penalty system will depend on the efficiency of enforcement and whether the government can provide meaningful solutions to farmers to help them transition away from harmful practices.
This urgent call to action is reflected in the ongoing debates in the Supreme Court, which continues to push for stronger measures and more accountability from both the central and state governments. With the situation in Delhi worsening each year, it is clear that more systemic changes will be required to address the underlying causes of air pollution and ensure the long-term health and well-being of the city's residents.
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