New Delhi [India], November 7 (HBTV): The central government on Thursday announced an amendment to the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Rules of 2023, addressing the imposition, collection, and utilisation of environmental compensation for stubble burning.

According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change's notification, the central government aims to introduce new regulations to manage stubble burning in Delhi and surrounding areas. Under the revised rules, farmers with less than two acres of land will pay an environmental compensation of INR 5,000. Farmers with land between two and five acres will pay INR 10,000, while those with more than five acres will pay INR 30,000.

These amendments seek to standardise the penalty structure for stubble burning, with adjustments that consider the landholding size of farmers. This move comes as pollution levels in the national capital continue to rise, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400 mark, according to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) India.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the health risks of stubble burning and noted the government's efforts to support farmers.   

‘We appeal to farmers not to burn stubble, as it harms both the environment and public health. The government has provided various machines at subsidised rates. Farmers can also profit by selling stubble, and we encourage them to explore these options,’ the Haryana CM stated.   

(ANI)