Question : Stubble Burning and actions against the Errant Farmers

(a) the steps taken by the Government to prevent the smog caused by stubble burning by farmers in all States of the country; and

(b) the number of cases and action taken against the farmers who are burning stubble illegally?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): Stubble burning is mainly practiced in Indo-gangetic plains of the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to clear the fields for Rabi Crop sowing.

In 2018, a new Central Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi’ for the period from 2018-19 to 2019-20 has also been launched with the total outgo from the Central funds of Rs. 1151.80 crore (Rs. 591.65 crore in 2018-19 and Rs. 560.15 crore in 2019-20).

During 2018-19, the funds amounting to Rs. 269.38 crores, Rs.137.84 crores and Rs. 148.60 crores have been released to the Government of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh respectively for distribution of in-situ crop residue management machinery to the farmers on subsidy, establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) of in-situ crop residue management machinery and undertaking Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness among farmers.

(b): As per satellite data, 75563 events of crop residue burning have been reported in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh during 2018. The Government of Punjab has identified 6193 cases and recovered Rs. 19.02 lakhs as Environment Compensation. The Government of Haryana has identified 3997 cases and recovered Rs. 31.82 lakhs as Environment Compensation and also lodged FIR against 164 defaulters. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has identified 510 cases and recovered Rs. 26.0 lakhs as Environment Compensation.

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