Wed Nov 13 02:05:12 UTC 2024: ## Haryana Doubles Fine for Stubble Burning, Aiming to Curb Air Pollution

**Chandigarh, November 8, 2024:** In a bid to tackle the severe air pollution problem in the region, the Haryana government has doubled the fine for farmers who engage in stubble burning. The new rates, which came into effect on November 7th, are part of a stricter approach to deter farmers from the practice.

According to the revised Environmental Compensation (EC) rates issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), farmers with less than two acres of land will now face a fine of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. Those with two to five acres will be fined Rs 10,000, while farmers with over five acres will have to pay Rs 30,000.

The decision follows the notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which amended the EC rates for stubble burning. The CAQM has also authorized nodal and supervisory officers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, NCR areas of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to impose fines and collect EC directly from farmers who engage in stubble burning.

The Deputy Director of Agriculture, Babu Lal, reported that 172 cases of stubble burning have been identified in Kaithal district alone, with 93 already registered and fines amounting to Rs 1.65 lakh collected so far.

The increased fines are expected to act as a deterrent to farmers, encouraging them to explore alternative methods of crop residue management. The move is part of a larger effort to improve air quality in the region, which is often severely affected by stubble burning during the winter months.

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