Haryana Government Takes Action Against Stubble Burning
The Haryana government has implemented stricter measures to reduce air pollution by doubling the fines for stubble burning. Farmers with up to two acres of land will now pay Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. So far, Rs 1.65 lakh has been collected in fines. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Babu Lal, reported that 172 cases of stubble burning have been identified in Kaithal district, with 93 cases registered.
New Rules and Fines
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a directive on November 7, 2024, to enforce revised Environmental Compensation (EC) for stubble burning. The directive targets the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the new rules increase fines for farmers with different land sizes:
- Up to 2 acres: Rs 5,000 (previously Rs 2,500)
- 2 to 5 acres: Rs 10,000 (previously Rs 5,000)
- More than 5 acres: Rs 30,000 (previously Rs 15,000)
The revised rates aim to discourage stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in the region.
Implementation and Enforcement
The order authorizes Nodal and Supervisory Officers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to impose and collect fines. The state governments are required to implement these measures immediately to combat air pollution effectively.
Doubts Revealed
Haryana Government -: The Haryana Government is the governing body of the Indian state of Haryana. It makes rules and decisions for the people living in Haryana.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover straw and stalks in their fields after harvesting crops. This is done to clear the field quickly for the next crop but causes a lot of smoke and pollution.
Air Pollution -: Air pollution is when harmful substances like smoke and dust are present in the air, making it unhealthy to breathe. It can cause problems for people, animals, and plants.
Fines -: Fines are money that people have to pay as a punishment for breaking a rule or law. In this case, farmers have to pay fines if they burn stubble.
Deputy Director of Agriculture -: The Deputy Director of Agriculture is a person who helps manage farming activities in a region. They work to improve farming practices and support farmers.
Kaithal district -: Kaithal is a district in the state of Haryana, India. It is one of the areas where the government is monitoring stubble burning.
Commission for Air Quality Management -: The Commission for Air Quality Management is a group that works to keep the air clean and healthy. They make rules and give advice to reduce air pollution in certain areas.
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi -: These are states and a union territory in India. They are working together to reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning.