Centre Doubles Fine for Stubble Burning as Air Quality Deteriorates in Delhi-NCR

With air quality in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) continuing to worsen, the Indian government has taken steps to tackle one of the major causes of pollution—crop residue burning. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued new rules that double the fines for farmers who burn stubble in the fields, a practice that contributes significantly to the region’s hazardous air quality.

New Rules and Increased Fines for Stubble Burning

Under the new rules, which come into effect through the "Imposition, Collection, and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning" Amendment Rules, 2024, farmers will face increased fines depending on the size of their landholding. The fines are as follows:

• Farmers with less than 2 acres of land: Rs. 5,000 (previously Rs. 2,500)
• Farmers with 2 to 5 acres of land: Rs. 10,000 (previously Rs. 5,000)
• Farmers with more than 5 acres of land: Rs. 30,000

The aim of this amendment is to discourage the practice of burning crop residue, which has been a key contributor to Delhi’s air pollution during the late autumn and winter months.

Why Stubble Burning is a Problem

Stubble burning typically takes place in Punjab, Haryana, and other nearby states during the harvest season. The problem is particularly severe from November 1 to 15, when the number of crop-burning incidents spikes. Meteorological conditions during this time, such as low wind speeds, combined with local pollution sources like vehicular emissions, firecrackers, and industrial pollution, trap the smoke and cause dangerously high levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The main reasons behind the practice of stubble burning are linked to agricultural practices. These include:

• The paddy-wheat cropping system leaves behind large amounts of crop residue after harvesting.
• Mechanized harvesting that leaves stubble standing in the fields.
• The scarcity of labor makes it difficult to remove the stubble manually.
• The lack of a profitable market for crop residue leads farmers to burn it as a quick solution.

During peak burning periods, farm fires are responsible for up to 30% of the PM (particulate matter) levels in the Delhi-NCR region, contributing to severe air pollution.

The Bigger Picture: Other Sources of Pollution

Despite the increased focus on stubble burning, senior environmentalist Sunita Narain argues that it is not the main cause of Delhi’s air pollution. She points out that local pollution sources within the city, such as transportation and industrial emissions, play a much bigger role in the city’s persistent poor air quality. According to her, while stubble burning does contribute to pollution, it is the ongoing pollution from vehicles and factories that is a more consistent and larger source of concern.

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SUMMARY

The Indian government has increased fines for farmers who burn crop residue, which is a major cause of air pollution in Delhi and the surrounding areas. Under new rules, farmers with less than 2 acres of land will pay a fine of Rs. 5,000 (up from Rs. 2,500), and those with 2 to 5 acres will pay Rs. 10,000 (up from Rs. 5,000), and farmers with more than 5 acres will pay Rs. 30,000. Stubble burning is a big problem in Punjab, Haryana, and nearby states, especially between November 1 and 15. The practice, caused by factors like mechanized harvesting and lack of labor, contributes to around 30% of the pollution in Delhi during this time. However, environmental expert Sunita Narain argues that while stubble burning does affect air quality, the bigger sources of pollution in Delhi are vehicles and industries. Addressing these sources is also important for improving the city’s air.