Chandigarh, 08 November 2024: Farmer unions have slammed the Centre’s decision to double penalties under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) for burning paddy stubble, describing the move as punitive and lacking consideration for the farmers’ plight.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), accused the central government of reneging on its earlier promise to provide Rs 1,200 crore as compensation to Punjab farmers for managing crop residue.
“Instead of offering financial assistance, they have chosen to increase fines. This shows a vindictive stance by both the Centre and the state government,” Pandher said, calling the hike an ineffective solution to the stubble-burning crisis.
Prem Singh Bhangu, president of the All-India Kisan Federation, argued that the Centre’s decision disregards the directives of the National Green Tribunal and Supreme Court, which called for compensatory support for farmers.
“No farmer wants to burn stubble; they are forced into it due to a lack of alternatives and government aid,” Bhangu stated.
The revised EPA rules, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change on November 6, significantly increase the financial burden on farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Under the new guidelines, farmers with less than two acres of land now face an environmental compensation fee of Rs 5,000, up from the previous Rs 2,500.
Those owning between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000, compared to the previous Rs 5,000. Meanwhile, farmers with over five acres of land will incur a penalty of Rs 30,000, double the earlier amount of Rs 15,000.
The increased financial penalties come as the government steps up efforts to curb stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in North India during the winter months. However, farmer leaders argue that punitive measures without adequate compensation or support will only worsen the situation, leaving farmers with limited alternatives to clear their fields for the next crop season.
