Stubble burning fines doubled to up to ₹30,000 based on farm area

The Union government has issued new rules doubling fines for stubble burning, which is a major cause of pollution in northwestern India including the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) in October and November, to up to ₹30,000 based on the farm areas.

Stubble burning is a major cause of pollution in northwestern India. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

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, provide for environmental compensation for stubble burning.

Farmers with land of less than two acres shall be liable to pay ₹5,000 per stubble burning incidence, while those with two acres or more but less than five acres ₹10,000. Cultivators having land of more than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of ₹30,000 per incidence. The fines were ₹2,500, 5,000, and ₹15,000 under three categories as per the 2023 rules.