New Delhi: The Centre has increased penalties for farmers involved in burning crop stubble, with fines now set to rise as high as Rs 30,000, as part of efforts to tackle worsening air quality in Delhi and neighbouring regions. Several areas in the national capital recorded ‘Severe’ air quality on Thursday morning even as the AQI in the city remained in the ‘Very Poor’ category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board data at 7 am.
Under the new rules, which take effect immediately, farmers with less than two acres of land will face a fine of Rs 5,000. Those with between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000, while farmers with more than five acres of land will be penalised Rs 30,000 for engaging in stubble burning.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change amended the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilisation of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Rules, 2023.
The AQI in the capital city was recorded 352 at 4 pm on Wednesday, which deteriorated to 366 at 7 am this morning.
Area-wise AQI in Delhi
- Anand Vihar:426
- Ashok Vihar: 417
- Alipur:386
- Bawana: 411
- Burari Crossing: 377
- Chandni Chowk: 301
- Dwarka-Sector 8: 380
Despite the increasing AQI, the increase in fines follows sharp criticism from the Supreme Court, which had previously described earlier penalties as ineffective in curbing the practice.
The court noted that previous fines were “toothless” largely due to delays in appointing adjudicating officers and setting up a proper regulatory framework for enforcement.
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