The Center has tightened penalties for farmers involved in burning crop stubble, with fines now set to be raised to Rs 30,000, as part of efforts to tackle worsening air quality issues in Delhi and surrounding areas.
Under the new rules, which come into effect immediately, farmers with land of less than two acres will face a fine of Rs 5,000. Farmers owning 2 to 5 acres of land will be fined Rs 10,000, while those owning more than 5 acres will be fined Rs 30,000 for burning stubble.
The amendment is part of the government’s drive to reduce air pollution under the Council for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Bill, 2021.
An official notice said the new regulations may be called the “Capital Region and Adjacent Areas Air Quality Management Committee (Collection, Collection and Use of Environmental Compensation Fees for Straw Burning) Revised Regulations (2024)”.
