On November 6, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued an important amendment to the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Rules, 2023.
The updated rules, may be called the Commission for Air Quality Management in
National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Amendment Rules, 2024.
They make key changes in how environmental compensation is imposed on farmers for being, a major contributor to air pollution in the region.
What’s New?
The amended rules introduce a tiered approach to environmental compensation, which varies based on the size of the farmer’s landholding. These new rates reflect the government’s push for stricter enforcement and greater accountability when it comes to stubble burning.
1. Environmental Compensation Based on Landholding Size has been doubled :
- Farmers with less than 2 acres of land: They will now face an environmental compensation of Rs.5,000 for each instance of stubble burning. Initially the compensation was Rs.2,500
- Farmers with 2 to 5 acres of land: These farmers will pay ₹10,000 per incident of stubble burning. Initially the compensation was Rs.5000
- Farmers with more than 5 acres of land: The highest compensation rate applies here, with farmers required to pay ₹30,000 for each occurrence of stubble burning. Initially the compensation was Rs.15000
The rationale behind this tiered approach is likely to balance the financial burden between small and large-scale farmers, while still discouraging the practice of burning stubble to clear fields.
2. Correction in Enforcement Rules
In addition to the changes in compensation rates, the amendment also corrects a minor but important detail in the enforcement process. In Rule 4(4), the original text referred to “the officer referred to in sub-rule (4)”, which has now been amended to “the officer referred to in sub-rule (3)”.
Why the Change
Stubble burning has long been a major contributor to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas, especially during the winter months. It is responsible for a significant portion of the harmful particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, leading to hazardous air quality levels. The government has been taking steps to tackle this issue, including imposing environmental compensation as a deterrent.
The amended rules are part of a broader effort by the Commission for Air Quality Management to not only penalize stubble burning but also to create a system that encourages farmers to adopt alternative, environmentally friendly practices. The higher fines for larger landholdings suggest that the government is increasingly targeting industrial-scale farming practices that may be contributing disproportionately to the problem.
A new Challan has been included
Effective Date : November 6th 2024
