Amid deteriorating air quality, the central government has announced to increase the fine on stubble burning. As per the latest announcement, the fine for stubble burning in Delhi NCR has now been doubled.
The government’s decision comes after the Supreme Court held the Center accountable for not taking action to stop stubble burning and control pollution levels in the National Capital Region.
According to news agency ANI, the Central Government has initiated amendments in the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. Under this, now farmers will have to pay “environmental compensation” for burning stubble.
According to the new rules, the central government has doubled the fine on farmers. Farmers with less than two acres of land will have to pay environmental compensation of Rs 5,000. Earlier this fine was Rs 2,500. Farmers with two to five acres of land will have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 and farmers with more than five acres of land will have to pay a fine of Rs 30,000.
‘Poisonous’ air in Delhi-NCR
Dense fog is present in Delhi and National Capital Region. As of 9 am on November 9, air quality at nine stations was in the “severe category” at 367. According to Swiss agency IQAir, New Delhi remains one of the most polluted cities in the world along with Lahore, Pakistan.