Increasing fine powder from burning straw
The environment ministry on Thursday doubled the fine imposed on farmers for burning stubble after the Supreme Court issued strict directives to the government over rising pollution in and around Delhi. Now, farmers owning less than two acres of land will have to pay Rs 5,000 as environmental compensation. While farmers owning 2 acres or more but less than 5 acres of land will have to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation. Further, the compensation amount has been fixed at Rs 30,000 for farmers owning more than 5 acres of land.
The Capital Surrounding Air Quality Management Board’s 2024 revised rules are now in effect. The rules will be mandatory for the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. Under the new regulations, procedures for lodging complaints to the Pollution Control Board, Air Quality Management Board and the offices of the Union Environment Ministry are laid down. This also includes the investigation and handling process of environmental pollution complaints.
What did the court say?
During the hearing on November 4, the Supreme Court asked Punjab and Haryana to submit their replies by November 14. Even before this, the Supreme Court had given the central government two weeks to formulate rules under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) on Delhi’s rising air pollution and appoint relevant officials. The court also said they should not be forced to issue strict orders. During the hearing on October 23, the Supreme Court was not satisfied with the Haryana government’s conduct.
Violation of Article 21
JUDGE ABAY S. Okay, Judge A. Amanulla and Justice AG. Masih MPs say the Punjab and Haryana governments are not doing enough to stop stubble burning in fields. The Supreme Court said that if the government was truly interested in enforcing the law, there should at least be a precedent for litigation. The Supreme Court also said that it is time to remind the Centre, Punjab and Haryana governments that living in a pollution-free environment is the fundamental right of citizens. Living in a polluted environment is a serious violation of fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
