Centre Doubles Fine On Farmers For Stubble Burning As Delhi Continues To Breathe Toxic Air

Amid the rising pollution in the national capital region and its neighbouring areas, the Centre on Thursday doubled the fine imposed on farmers. According to an official statement by the Ministry of Environment, farmers having an area of land of less than two acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 5000, and those farmers who have an area of land of two acres or more but less than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 10,000.

Farmers having an area of land of more than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of Rs 30,000, said the official statement.

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 to come into effect.

Farmer having an area of land of less than two acres shall… pic.twitter.com/OBDD3pEQH2

— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024

Several areas of Delhi-NCR has been witnessing an AQI (Air Quality Index) of over 400. While the average AQI of Delhi has remained in 'very poor' category for the past few days, many areas including Anand Vihar, Mundka, Najafgarh have been witnessing higher air pollution.

ALSO READ: Delhi Pollution: Toxic Air Shrouds National Capital As AQI Continues To Remain Above 400 In Many Areas; Check List

Besides the problem of high AQI, the toxic water of Yamuna with white foam has also raised concern over the health of people. Delhi High Court on Wednesday denied permission to hold rituals at Yamuna Ghats owing to surging pollution in the river.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai recently held a meeting in view of the rising pollution.