Centre doubles fine for crop residue burning in Delhi-NCR to combat hazardous air quality, penalties up to ₹30,000.

To combat worsening air quality, the Indian government has doubled penalties for farmers engaging in stubble burning.

Under the new rules, which take effect immediately, farmers with less than two acres of land will face a fine of Rs 5,000. Those with between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000.

The Centre has doubled the stubble burning fine in Delhi and adjoining areas in view of the fast-plummeting Air Quality Index in the region.

As the capital and National Capital Region struggle with increasing air pollution, the Centre announced on Thursday an increase in penalties for farmers engaging in stubble burning.