New Rules for Stubble Burning Fines in Delhi and Nearby Areas
The central government has announced changes to the rules regarding stubble burning in Delhi and surrounding areas. These changes are part of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Rules of 2023. The new rules focus on the imposition, collection, and use of environmental compensation for stubble burning.
Environmental Compensation Details
According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the new rules specify different fines based on the size of the land:
- Farmers with less than two acres of land will pay Rs 5,000.
- Farmers with two to less than five acres will pay Rs 10,000.
- Farmers with more than five acres will pay Rs 30,000.
These amendments aim to standardize penalties and consider the challenges faced by small landowners.
Reasons for the Amendment
The decision comes as pollution levels in Delhi rise, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 400, as reported by SAFAR India. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the health risks of stubble burning and mentioned that the government provides machines at subsidized rates to help farmers manage stubble without burning it. He encouraged farmers to sell stubble for profit instead.
Doubts Revealed
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover straw and stalks in their fields after harvesting crops like rice and wheat. This is done to clear the field quickly for the next crop, but it causes a lot of smoke and pollution.
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, which is against the rules because it causes pollution.
Delhi -: Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a big city with many people, and it often has problems with air pollution, especially during certain times of the year.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number that shows how clean or polluted the air is. A higher number means more pollution, and an AQI over 400 is considered very unhealthy.
Haryana -: Haryana is a state in northern India, close to Delhi. It is known for its agriculture, and many farmers there grow crops like rice and wheat.
Subsidies -: Subsidies are financial help given by the government to make something cheaper or more affordable. In this case, the government offers subsidies to help farmers buy machines that can manage stubble without burning it.