India Doubles Fines for Stubble Burning Amid Severe Delhi Pollution

New regulations impose higher penalties on farmers to combat air quality deterioration in Delhi and surrounding regions.

The Union government has amended rules to increase fines for stubble burning, with penalties now reaching up to ₹30,000 depending on farm size.
Farmers with less than two acres of land will face a ₹5,000 fine, while those with two to five acres will pay ₹10,000, and those with over five acres will pay ₹30,000.
These amendments come as Delhi's air quality remains at hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400-mark.
Stubble burning contributes significantly to Delhi's PM 2.5 levels, particularly during peak pollution periods in late autumn.
Efforts to curb stubble burning include providing farmers with subsidized machinery and encouraging alternative uses for crop residue.