National Green Tribunal
Suo Moto Action On The Newspaper Article ... vs State Of Madhya Pradesh on 7 February, 2025
Item No. 19
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
CENTRAL ZONE BENCH, BHOPAL
(Through Video Conferencing)
Original Application No. 249/2024(CZ)
Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published
in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp
rising fires"
Suo moto.....
Date of Hearing: 07.02.2025
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SHEO KUMAR SINGH, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE DR. VIJAY KULKARNI, EXPERT MEMBER
For Applicant (s): None.
For Respondent(s) : Mr. Prashant M. Harne, Adv.
Mr. Yadvendra Yadav, Adv.
Ms. Parul Bhadoria, Adv.
ORDER
1. The newspaper reports Times of India, Bhopal, Saturday, 16.11.2024, Times city has published air pollution due to stubble burning in Madhya Pradesh.
2. The article states as under :-
While North India, especially, is batting the smog caused by stubble burning in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, beside the residue left by crackers burst during festivals and vehicular pollution. It the heart of India-Madhya Pradesh- that played spoilsport with the highest cases of stubble burning reported in the Country, so far. MP has reported 8917 paddy stubble burring cases as against 7626 in Punjab.
Data from the consortium for research on agro-eco system monitoring and modeling from space(CREAMS) 1 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
an disciplinary research initiative of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, reveals that between September,15 and November, 14, the highest incident of paddy stubble burning were reported from MP. This is the highest in past three years in the state while in contrast, this year in Punjab, the number of incidents dropped to 7626 during the same period.
Farmer representatives attributes this new phenomenon of paddy stubble burning in MP to the unavailability of alternatives, an increase in paddy sown areas and also the absence of Government support.
There has been an increase in the new sown area of paddy in the state. In other states, governments have provided support like collecting the paddy residue from farmers and supplying it to industrial units as fuel, but there is no such initiative in the state. Even cattle donot eat it.
Farmers are left with no options. Let the government provide alternatives, and farmers will happily follow them. It should either compensate farmers for it or make some arrangements. Because manually taking out the residue will further corner the farmers financially, and if they leave to rot and get converted in manure, then they will loose one crop. The government could also subsidies machinery and equipment needed to tackle the problem. There has definitely been an increase in paddy cultivation, which is also a reason.
Use of manual labor for harvesting, is not economical but saves from the residues. However, now there are machines which, when used, leave no residue, but they cannot be afforded by majority. The government 2 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
should make it available at the village panchayat level, it would address the issue on a large scale.
The two districts, Sheopur and Narmada Puram, reported 3078 of these 8917 incidents. This accounts for 34.5% of the total cases reported in the state. Sheopur reported 1822 cases in the same period, and Narmada Puram reported 1256 cases. Besides these two districts, four other districts reported more than 600 incidents in the same period, namely, Jabalpur (695 incidents), datia (692 incidents), Guna (608 incidents), and Ashok Nagar (607 incidents). Thus, these six districts together account for 5680 or 63% of the total incidents reported this year from the state until Nov.14. It requires collective efforts and long-term planning at village panchayat levels. Coercive action would also be taken after persuasion fails. In Narmada Puram, officials say that several measures, including persuasion, awareness drives, and providing alternatives through technical interventions, are being taken along with strict action as and when required to put a check on the malpractice.
There are some agricultural equipment like happy seeder and super seeder. We are trying to popularize the use of these. We have procured around 50 such equipment's, and it is available for hire for the farmers. There is no need for stubble burning when happy seeders are used; one of its components uproots the residue, and the other sows the seeds simultaneously.
One of the reasons here in the district is that farmers cultivates 3 crops in the case of two crops, farmers have time to prepare the field, but in places like this, farmers are in a haste to prepare fields.
3OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
3. A research paper published in IGIRT/Vol.-9, Issue-1, ISSN-2349-6002, published by Dr. Gargee Yadav, Associate Professor for Solution to Parali Burning, has highlighted the issue and found certain suggestions and taken the note from that article, the article says -
The main reason for burning the rice stubble (rice crop) is the short time available between harvesting rice and sowing wheat. Delays in wheat cultivation negatively affect the wheat crop. The short time frame available between rice and wheat crops can also be attributed in part to the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Act of 2009, where the date of rice cultivation is set in mid-June, pushing forward the harvest of the rice crop. As a result, farmers get less than 20-25 days between two crops, so the quickest and easiest solution is to burn crop residue. It is estimated that 20 million tons of rice stubble are produced each year in Punjab, 80% of which are burned on the farm. It is a low-cost alternative to tilling in straws. Under these circumstances, farmers may feel they have no choice but to burn the hay.
i THE OUTCOME OF PARALI BURNING Burning crusts (orparali) releases gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide leading to severe air pollution. It also has a negative impact on human health.
During the harvest season, the harvest of rice fields generates a huge amount of stubble that needs immediate dumping. Farmers usually collect the stubble and put it on fire because it is the easiest way to dump it without leaving any trace of waste on the soil horizon. However, doing so creates a serious problem that is directly linked to our environment. Researchers have 4 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
shown that burning agricultural biomass residues poses a significant health risk. It not only affects organic carbon levels in the soil but also produces an uncontrollable amount of harmful smoke that causes air pollution to the immediate vicinity.
a) Contribution to atmospheric pollution Burning parali is a major contributor to atmospheric pollution, ranking third only to industrial emissions and vehicles. The terrible fog surrounding India's national capital region was directly associated with stubble burning, coinciding with burning periods in October and November. A large number of toxic pollutants are emitted into our atmosphere due to the open burning of the parali. These pollutants also contain harmful gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compound and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Studies have shown that burning parali has caused a significant deterioration in the air quality surrounding Punjab and Haryana. These harmful gasses are also transmitted through other parts of northern India, posing a serious threat to biological life.
These toxic gases build a cloud of ash and turn into a smog formed by the intense amount of smoke in the atmosphere. These harmful gases create a dangerous casing that has the ability to travel thousands of kilometers, increasing the level of air pollution in connected cities by destroying the entire Air Quality Index (AQI) and becoming a cause of many health problems.
The significant increase in particulate matter 2.5 and 10 can be directly attributed to the burning of stubble during peak seasons in October and November. Besides 5 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
the stubble burning, entrainment of husk particles in the air from the threshing and shattering process of rice and wheat seeds also contribute to the gradual increase in the magnitude of the pollutant level.
The burning of husk contributes to the frequent formation of brown clouds that have a negative impact on local air quality, hindering atmospheric visibility and further affecting the causes of climate change. Smoke from this burn produces a cloud of particles visible from space and produces what has been described as a "toxic cloud" in New Delhi, leading to the declaration of an air pollution emergency.
b) Human health implications Multiple health effects on humans on humans have been observed from the resulting air pollution, ranging from skin and eye irritation to severe neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure to elevated pollution levels also increases mortality rates - according to research, Delhi's resident life expectancy has fallen by about 6.4 years due to exposure to elevated levels of pollution.
The burning of parali emits fine particles (PM2.5), an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in the air are high; particles can attach to the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer by 36%.
c) Cost to the economy According to reports, the flow of tourists in Delhi decreased by about 25-30% due to the increase in air pollution.
Burning parali creates disruptions in economic activity (cancellation/delay in flights and trains, slow road traffic and accidents). The cost of air pollution due to the 6 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
burning of parali in India is estimated at $30 billion annually.
d) CONCLUSIONS Stubble burning, especially in Northern India has been considered as an easiest and most widely used process to get rid of the crop residue. However, it has had a disastrous impact on the environment and with each passing year the condition is becoming worse. It contributes to the frequent formation of brown clouds that have an adverse effect on the local air quality, hampers atmospheric visibility and further impacts the reasons for climate change. There are multiple alternatives to stubble burning and farmers can choose between the technologies and machines most suited to their particular local conditions, with the objective of 'no burning'. The government should play the part of an enabler by spreading awareness about the pros and cons of each option, so as to eliminate confusion and ease the adoption of new technologies by removing socioeconomic barriers. Parali burning has impacted the environment in such an alarming level that it cannot be ignored anymore. Only banning and punishing the farmers, the prevention of stubble burning is not guaranteed. There needs to be a permanent and effective solution for this issue to stop from happening in the future. Supreme Court of India has also intervened in this grave issue and accordingly has observed that:-
i. Incentives could be provided to those who are not burning the stubble and disincentives for those who continue the practice.
ii. The existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme must be so interpreted as to enable the States concerned to deny the 7 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
benefit of MSP wholly or partly to those who continue to burn the crop residue.
iii. To create practical options of collecting and transforming the husk to more reusable end products in collaboration with entrepreneur companies willing to offer the services."
4. Times of India dated 20.11.2024 has further highlighted air pollution impact and published that it is impacting the lungs of majority of citizens in Bhopal, irrespective of the claims about air quality index.
The bad air can be gauged by the fact that Gandhi Medical College, Hamidia Hospital has recorded a significant increase in hospitalization due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The medical Doctors suggest that the poor air quality and pollution is leading to asthma and bronchitis cases among the new born and elderly in the city.
5. It is a serious issue impacting the citizens affecting the health and economy of the state.
6. The matter was taken up by this Tribunal and a joint committee was constituted with direction to submit the factual and action taken report and suggestions with regard to remedial measures required to be taken.
7. In compliance of the order, members of the committee visited the site and submitted the report as follows :-
"1.0 Status of Paddy production & crop residue generation in Madhya Pradesh 8 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
Increasing productivity on limited land to meet the expanding demand arising from population growth and higher incomes is a critical challenge. Madhya Pradesh, with its agrarian nature, has approximately 74% of its population directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. To enhance productivity, timely and precise field operations are essential. Agricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in achieving this. Since gaining independence, the state has consistently strived to enhance agricultural output through the implementation of various mechanization plans and projects. As a result of the various programs implemented by the Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Madhya Pradesh, the level of mechanization has been steadily increasing over the years. However, it's noteworthy that farm power availability in the Madhya Pradesh state was 3.01 Kw/Ha in the year 2023-
24. In comparison, Punjab boasts a farm power availability of more than 4.00 Kw/Ha, and the national average stands at 2.75 Kw/Ha. This indicates that the level of mechanization in the state is relatively lower compared to Punjab.
Madhya Pradesh is an agricultural state with soyabean, wheat and rice (paddy) as major crops. The soyabean and wheat straw is used as fodder by the animal, whereas, the use of paddy straw is limited. The average paddy production per hectare is 3.4 Tons against which average 5.5 Ton is the paddy crop residue generation. The area under paddy production increased from 38.48 Lakhs Ha to 49.74 Lakhs Ha since 2022. Simultaneously the paddy crop residue increased too i.e. from 21.16 million Tons to 27.3 million Tons. The details of area under paddy sown in M.P. during Kharif season viz-a-viz paddy straw generation are as under:
Year Area under Production Paddy crop Paddy (Lakh (Lakh M Ton) residue ha) Generation (Million Ton) @ 5.5 T / ha 2022 38.48 131.26 21.16 9 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
2023 41.10 140.36 22.61
2024 49.74 169.61 27.30
The year-wise crop burning events reported since 2020 to 2024 for 05 states viz. Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan are as tabulated below:
S.No. State Crop Burning Events Year Wise (Period 15 September- 30 November) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
1. Madhya 14148 8160 11737 12500 16360 Pradesh
2. Punjab 83002 71304 49922 36663 10909
3. Uttar 4631 4242 3017 3996 6142 Pradesh
4. Haryana 4202 6987 3661 2303 1406
5. Rajasthan 1756 1350 1268 1775 2772 As illustrated in the table, the number of burning events has risen steadily, reaching a concerning peak in 2024. This alarming trend is exacerbated by the expanding paddy cultivation area, which has grown from 38.48 lakh hectares to 49.74 lakh hectares in the past few years. This increase in agricultural output, coupled with a lack of awareness and limited viable alternatives for residue management, compels many farmers to resort to burning as a seemingly quick solution.
1.1 Status of Crop residue burning events Since 2020 to 2024 in winter season (15th Sept to 30th November):
The paddy crop residue burning satellite observation is done through the "Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space" a Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The crop residue burning incident communicated on daily basis during 15th Sept to 30th Nov to respective agricultural department of the 05 States (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi & Madhya Pradesh). The Madhya Pradesh agriculture department, through Director of Agriculture Engineering communicate the reported fire incident to respective districts for further action.10
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
The year-wise paddy crop residue burning status of 50 districts from 15th Sept to 30th Nov of last 05 years 2020 to 2024 are as tabulated below:
S.NO. District 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
1. Sheopur 1862 1013 1800 1859 2508
2. Jabalpur 2671 1426 1982 1984 2464
3. Hoshangabad 1060 1067 1099 1181 1666
4. Gwalior 2058 848 1583 1072 1528
5. Datia 1188 498 861 915 1303 6. Raisen 619 361 465 407 824 7. Ashok Nagar 156 90 188 278 760 8. Satna 577 526 504 394 714 9. Guna 70 12 124 468 639 10. Seoni 1234 897 1127 1438 536 11. Bhind 269 159 209 270 510 12. Shivpuri 396 112 286 301 461 13. Katni 326 119 224 274 347 14. Narsingpur 309 172 250 232 344 15. Sehore 164 153 227 193 331 16. Vidisha 145 123 94 152 222 17. Rewa 143 120 101 95 205 18. Mandla 152 119 153 97 155 19. Damoh 75 53 70 100 102 20. Sagar 28 31 55 92 101 21. Chhindwara 136 59 102 178 41 22. Panna 50 23 41 48 87 23. Morena 62 37 25 48 80 24. Bhopal 52 40 43 50 78 25. Shajapur 22 0 0 20 40 26. East Nimar 23 7 11 56 39 27. West Nimar 68 12 20 45 39 28. Umaria 9 11 16 11 27 29. Dhar 48 0 0 45 26 30. Betul 37 16 27 44 23 31. Mandsaur 15 0 0 6 23 32. Balaghat 9 6 5 4 22 33. Indore 4 0 0 12 15 34. Ujjain 18 0 0 18 15 35. Harda 14 21 11 31 14 36. Sidhi 4 6 4 2 14 37. Anuppur 3 2 7 3 9 38. Dewas 8 0 0 14 8 39. Singrauli 0 7 3 18 8 40. Nimach 2 0 0 1 7 41. Chhatarpur 9 0 2 3 6 42. Barwani 6 0 0 3 4 11 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"43. Dindori 0 0 1 3 4 44. Rajgarh 13 3 5 11 4 45. Ratlam 10 7 3 6 3 46. Tikamgarh 5 0 1 6 2 47. Burhanpur 16 3 5 10 1 48. Shahdol 3 1 3 2 1 49. Alirajpur 0 0 0 0 0 50. Jhabua 0 0 0 0 0
Total 14148 8160 11737 12500 16360 The last 5 years satellite recorded crop residue burning events reveals that in 21 districts there are more than 100 reported cases during the period of 15th Sept to 30th Nov. The district map and direction-wise classification of the major districts.
District No. of Name of the District reported more than Located cities >100 crop residue burning in North 07 Sheopur, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashok Nagar South 03 Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla East 05 Rewa, Satna, Katni, Damoh, Jabalpur Central 06 Sagar, Raisen, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Narsingpur, Vidisha 2.0 Air Quality (Sept to December) of the major cities near the major crop burning events sites:
Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal are the major cities with populations exceeding one million, around which the highest number of paddy crop residue burning events are reported. Under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the XV Finance Commission, seven cities in Madhya Pradesh have been identified for air quality improvement: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Dewas, Sagar, and Ujjain. The western part of Madhya Pradesh, which includes cities like Indore, Ujjain, and Dewas, has the least number (<100) of paddy crop residue burning events.12
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
Based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) data, Gwalior's air quality during the winter season exceeds the Good Days AQI threshold of 200. Considering the AQI data measured during the winter season and the locations of the CAAQMS stations in these cities, it is evident that there are other activities that contribute to the AQI of that location. It includes the Vehicular emission, transportation and garbage burning as main source of PM 10 and PM 2.5 which affects the AQI mostly. The increase trend of AQI during winter is not only because of the stubble burning as other local activities are also contributing towards the AQI simultaneously. In this regard it is appropriate to consider the stubble burning not as the prime cause of increase in AQI of these cities but may affect it up to certain extent.
2.1 Air Quality status in 07 cities since 2019-20 to 2023-24 The 07 cities of Madhya Pradesh i.e. Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Sagar, Ujjain & Dewas identified under non-attainment cities based on the level of air pollution (PM10) in year 2019-20. And to improve the air quality funding were provided under National Clean Air Program & Fifteenth Finance. The cities have initiated action in line with the micro action plan prepared covering major activities viz. carrying capacity, monitoring & enforcement infrastructure, road dust, industrial pollution, biomass burning, vehicle pollution and others.
The status of air quality improvement since 2019-20 to 2023-24 is as tabulated below:
S.NO. City PM10 Concentration City-wise Air (µg/m3) Quality 2019-20 2023-24 improvement status (%) 1. Bhopal 138 110 20 2. Jabalpur 98 89 9 13 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"3. Ujjain 88 80 9 4. Sagar 72 68 6 5. Gwalior 135 130 4
6. Dewas 89 94 -6
7. Indore 86 92 -7 The air quality improvement status reveals that Bhopal has the highest i.e. 20% improvement in the air quality. The prominent city of crop residue burning events viz. Jabalpur, Gwalior has also shown improvement too.
However, the PM10 level of Bhopal & Gwalior is still higher than the 24 Hourly PM10 standard i.e. 100 μg/m3.
2.2. 100 Days Winter (November to January) Action Plan To improve the air quality, 100 days winter action plans were prepared by these 7 cities covering following 24 activities:
i. IEC activity (open waste burning/ biomass burning/ crop residue burning) ii. Enforce solid waste collection and impose fine/challan home burning activity.
iii. Ban on burning of wood/ coal in hotels/restaurants/dabba/open Bhatti/ tandoor iv. Ban on Alav/bonfire and introduce LPG/electric heaters v. Construction of pit in garden and produce compost vi. Convert agriculture waste into biochar or compost vii. C & D activity: inspection, challan, collection, green net viii. Headline no. for burning/C&D activity ix. Strict checking of PUC of waste collecting /commercial vehicles x. Checking of fitness certificate of vehicles xi. Promoting electric rickshaw and bicycles xii. Heavy vehicle restrictions.
xiii. Free left turns at traffic intersection. xiv. Campaign to inspect four Wheelers and commercial vehicles for emission.14
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
xv. Special drives for maintenance and increase green cover xvi. Mechanical road sweeping xvii. Water sprinkling xviii. Fogging with water sprays xix. Water jetting machine for cleaning off road medians and footpath xx. Fountains : maintenance and development xxi. Paving of roads/building of roads xxii. Increase pedestrian infrastructure/cycle track xxiii. Action to relocate all illegal brick kilns xxiv. Constitution Monitoring Committee for daily monitoring of activity Agricultural department organized IEC activities to aware the farmers on the ill effect to environment and soil of the crop residue burning.
3.0 Action taken by Govt of Madhya Pradesh, Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Madhya Pradesh to minimize the crop residue burning Directorate of Agricultural Engineering of Department of Farmer Welfare & Agricultural Development (DFW&AD) is the nodal department who is responsible for mechanization of the agricultural activity and also record the crop residue burning events and initiate action to minimize the same through concern departments. Madhya Pradesh State has initiated following actions in last 5 years to control the practice of paddy residue burning:
3.1 In-situ management of the paddy residue:
i Implementation of "Central Sector Scheme - Sub Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)". Under this scheme 15 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
department provides subsidies for the procurement of machinery for in-situ crop residue management by individual farmers or for establishing Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs). To date, 31284 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines have been distributed to farmers, and CHCs were strengthened by 7007 CRM machines. The year -wise detail since 2017-18 is as tabulated below:
Sr. Year Funds No. of CRM No. of CRM
No. utilized (Rs. Machines machine
in Crores) used by sent to
individual CHCs
farmers
1. 2017-18 45.65 4067 954
2. 2018-19 74.90 4468 1065
3. 2019-20 103.05 4925 885
4. 2020-21 109.96 2705 727
5. 2021-22 61.64 3406 759
6. 2022-23 69.10 5474 929
7. 2023-24 126.05 5162 1491
8. 2024-25 (as on 59.67 1077 197
Dec 24)
Total 650.02 31284 7007
The number of CHCs established under assistance of Govt subsidy are as tabulated below:
S.NO. District CHCs established under assistance of Govt subsidy 1. Sheopur 19 2. Jabalpur 57
3. Hoshangabad 42 4. Gwalior 32 5. Datia 30 6. Raisen 48
7. Ashok Nagar 41 8. Satna 67 9. Guna 34 10. Seoni 46 11. Bhind 29 12. Shivpuri 38 13. Katni 48 14. Narsingpur 54 15. Sehore 56 16. Vidisha 50 16 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"17. Rewa 31 18. Mandla 35 19. Damoh 46 20. Sagar 43 21. Chhindwara 49
The Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) are equipped with a variety of machinery including cultivators, rotary tillers, threshers, seed drills, trolleys, raised bed planters, straw reapers, MB ploughs, sprayers, disc harrows, laser levellers, zero till seed drills, ridge furrow seed cum fertilizer drills, reaper binders, reapers, dozers, super seeders, harvesters, rice transplanters, potato planters, chisel ploughs, mulchers, disc ploughs, happy seeders, shredders, power harrows, ridge fertilizer drill cum planters, and garlic planters.
The machineries which are majorly used to minimize crop burning events are super seeder/mulcher/happy seeder/shredder/reaper binder.
By using reaper binder machine followed by cultivator, farmers can use field for next crop. Also, machinery like Shredder & mulcher or Super/happy seeder, Shredder & Baler are also enough to provide next crop ready farm. The CHCs established under assistance of Govt subsidy and private established are brought on MP Kisan APP to provide ease to the farmers to approach to the CHCs and avail services of CRM machineries on payment basis. ii. State has introduced a scheme named "Mukhya Mantri Narwai Prabandhan Yojna" in year 2023-24. The aim of the scheme is to control the crop residue burning and to carry out awareness program for it. Under the scheme, subsidy is being provided as per guideline for procurement of machinery for in-situ management of crop residue by individual. Till now 1100 CRM machines have been provided to the farmers the details as under:
17OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
Sr. Year Funds utilized No. of CRM
No. (Rs. in Crores) Machines
Provided
1 2023-24 9.38 700
2 2024-25 5.80 400
(as on Dec 2024)
3.2 Ex-situ management of the paddy residue:
Currently, the ex-situ management of paddy residue is not yet started effectively. Few private establishments are in work of shredding and baling the paddy residue and sell majorly in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh. Else no major establishment is in operation currently.
However, M/s Reliance Bio Energy is tentatively going to commission 05 Compressed Bio Gas Plant by FY 2025-26. Out of which 04 will run on paddy straw & 01 on soya husk as primary feedstock. These 04 CBG plant will commission in Satna, Jabalpur, Bhopal & Balaghat. The total required quantity will be 210 Kilo Tons. The details are as tabulated below:
S. District Address Tentative Tentative year
No. Quantity of
(KT) commissioning
1. Satna Reliance 60 2025
Bio Energy
Limited,
Khasra No-
274,275,2
88,
Sitpura,
Nagod
Reliance
2. Jabalpur 50 2025
Bio Energy
Limited,
Khasra No-
36(S),37(S)
,Village-
Kheri,
Tehsil-
Panagar
18
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024
published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
3. Bhopal Reliance 50 2025 Bio Energy Limited, Near SAM College, Raisen Road, Village-
Sagoni Kalan & Chhawani Pathar, Tehsil-
Huzur
4. Balaghat Reliance 50 2025 Bio Energy Limited, Gram Panchayat
-Dhansua, Tehsil:
Balaghat CBG plant of M/s Gas Authority of India (GAIL) are also in planning phase.
To improve the ex-situ management of paddy straw, the state must establish a greater number of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, Pelletization and Briquette plants. Incentives and subsidies should be provided to support the establishment of these facilities. Additionally, to enhance the utilization of crop residues in industrial boilers, power plants, brick kilns, packaging, and furniture manufacturing units, the state needs to develop an efficient supply chain.
3.3 IEC activities and Awareness program:
i. The Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), Jabalpur, is offering training programs to farmers on sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate the effects of climate change. These programs focus on techniques such as zero-tillage cultivation for paddy and wheat, efficient stubble management, and the adoption of new crop varieties. The Department of Farmer Welfare and Agricultural Development lead the implementation of these programs, with initiatives aim to enhance 19 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
agricultural productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
ii. Stubble burning free village programme: - Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development vide letter No. AGR/24/0082/2024-NFSM- FWAD(Cno.353206)/359 dated 25-09-2024 directed all district officers to make 400 villages stubble-burning free. To achieve this, intensive departmental activities were conducted to educate farmers on the detrimental effects of stubble burning. This initiative involves collaborating with progressive farmers to eliminate stubble burning and promote sustainable agricultural practices, particularly zero-tillage sowing. By showcasing successful crop demonstrations conducted by these farmers and disseminating information through village meetings and other platforms, the aim is to encourage the adoption of zero-tillage, which enhances soil fertility, conserves resources, and minimizes environmental harm. This collective effort strives to create stubble-burning-free villages, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural landscape.
iii. Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development leads and coordinates diverse Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to launch a widespread awareness campaign among farmers against crop residue burning. The Detail of activity are as follows:
Achievement of IEC Activities under CRM Sr. IEC activities Achievements (During FY 2024-25 No. till date 31-12-2024) 20 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
Activities No. of
Participants
1 Awareness programmes conducted at Village Panchayat/
Block/
District Level
i. Village level 400 40000
ii. Block level 100 10000
iii. District level 30 3000
2 Training 400 20000
Programmes
conducted
3 Kisan Melas 7 3500
organized
4 Mobilization of students through essay, painting competition,
debate, Prabhat Pheris, Nukkar Natak, rallies, etc. i. School 400 20000 ii. College 15 1350
5 Demonstrations Covered 400 Covered conducted (Using Villages 1000 CRM Machinery) ha Hactare 6 Exposure visits 100 1000 organized 7 Webinars 12 200 Organized/ Lectures Delivered in Webinars on CRM 8 Advertisement in 20 Print media 9 Column / Articles 350 in newspaper and magazines etc. 10 Hoarding fixed (at 95 Mandi/ Road side/Market/Schoo ls/ Petrol pump/ Panchayat etc.) 11 Poster/Banner 450 placed 12 Publicity material - 2,50,000 leaflets/ pamphlets etc. distributed 13 Wall writing 100 14 TV programmes/ 30 panel discussions Doordarshan/ DD-
Kisan and other private channels 15 Audio-visual clips 100 on TV 21 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
16 No. of messages on 300000 300000CRM sent to farmers through other platforms The IEC activities included following :
(a) Jingles on Radio Channels
(b) Production of Advertisement Films
(c) Running of films on TV Channels
(d) Display Boards on Bus Stands, Market Committee Yards and all Cooperative Societies in the State
(e) Painting of walls in the villages with slogans against Paddy burning
(f) Massive print media advertisement
(g) Hoardings and Panels at prominent places
(h) Publicity Vans in the villages
(i) Rally by School children in last days of September and middle of October
(j) Deputing of Nodal officer for each village
(k) Pamphlets and leaflets to farmers
(l) Publically taking Oath not to burn agriculture residue on their land 3.4 Prohibitory & monitoring related action initiated/taken by the State Govt & Agriculture Department:
➢ Prohibition on Burning of Crop Residue:
To curb the menace of stubble burning during post-harvesting season in the State, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Department Environment in exercise of the powers conferred under section 19(5) of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 in consultation with the M.P. Pollution Control Board vide notification no. 12-37/2017/18-5 dated 15/05/2017 has prohibited the burning of agriculture residue in the Madhya Pradesh.22
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
Any violation of this notification is punishable under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 by filing a complaint in the court of Judicial Magistrate first class. It also provides imposing environmental compensation against defaulter.
"Any person or body that is found offending this direction would be liable to pay environmental compensation as follows:
i. Small land holders having an area less than 2 Acres shall pay Environmental Compensation of Rs. 2500/- per incidence.
ii. Land holders having land area more than 2 Acres but Less than 5 Acres shall pay Environmental Compensation of Rs. 5000/- per incidence.
iii. Land holders having land area more than 5 Acres shall pay Environmental Compensation of Rs. 15000/- per incidence."
Further, District Magistrates in the State pass orders under section 144 CrPC, every season to prohibit burning of agriculture residue. Any violation of the order passed u/s 144 of CrPC is punishable u/s 188 of IPC.
➢ Daily monitoring burning of agriculture residue at village level To enable daily monitoring of agricultural residue burning incidents at the village level, the Department, through letter number tech/fasal avses parbandhan/2021-22/238 dated 09-03-22, directed all Districts to utilize satellite data (CREAMS - IARI) provided by the Directorate of Agriculture Engineering to identify hotspots in each village. Further, vide agriculture department order 3/2020/DAGE dated 25-09- 23 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
2020 instructions were given to all districts of M.P. that a district-level committee is to be constituted to prevent the practice of burning crop residues in the district and to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This committee works towards the effective implementation of the National Policy for Management of Crop Residue (NPMCR) 2014.
➢ Mobile App for farmers and CHC owners:
Recently Department developed the MP KISAAN App to enable farmers to easily locate and rent crop residue management equipment through a convenient platform, similar to Uber or Ola, within close proximity to their villages.
➢ Impact assessment study Recently, Directorate of Agricultural Engineering has awarded a study "Techno Commercial Proposal For Impact Assessment Study Of Various Schemes Run By Agriculture Engineering Department" to NABARD Consultancy Services Private Limited (NABCONS) to study following:
❖ Study on Crop Residue Management Practices carried out by Madhya Pradesh Government.
❖ Incentives to farmers for purchasing implements and machines for crop residue management in light of NGT Directives under RKVY ❖ Assistance to Farmers for pre harvest agriculture implements and machines under RKVY scheme ❖ Skill development training to rural youths in farm machinery and drone operation ❖ Support to promote rental services of agricultural implements and machines.
This study is ongoing and the assessment on the above will provide a better picture on the current status of crop residue burning and rental services, incentives etc. 4.0 Summary:24
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
Madhya Pradesh has seen a significant increase in paddy cultivation, with the area under paddy production rising from 38.48 lakh hectares in 2022 to 49.74 lakh hectares in 2024. This increase has led to a rise in paddy crop residue generation, from 21.16 million tons in 2022 to 27.3 million tons in 2024. The number of crops burning incidents has increased over the years, with 16,360 events reported in 2024, up from 12,500 in 2023. Districts like Sheopur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Hoshangabad have reported a high number of burning events. Whereas at 21 districts more than 100 crop burning event were recorded during year 2020-2024.
Major cities such as Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal have experienced high AQI during winter season; this may be primarily because of emission from activities within the city boundaries such as Vehicular emission, transportation and garbage burning in addition to the crop residue burning. Also, adverse metrological conditions such as low wind flow and cold earth in winter affects the AQI. Gwalior's AQI often exceeds the "Good Days" threshold, and other cities show similar trends, particularly during the winter season.
The state has implemented several measures to manage crop residue, including the distribution of 31,284 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines and the establishment of Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs). The "Mukhya Mantri Narwai Prabandhan Yojna" scheme provides subsidies for CRM machinery to individual farmers. Efforts for ex-situ management are limited, but plans are underway to establish Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants by Reliance Bio Energy, which will use paddy straw as feedstock. Extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities have been conducted to raise awareness among farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning. These activities include training programs, village-level campaigns, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The state has 25 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
prohibited crop residue burning under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, with penalties for violations. District Magistrates also issue orders under section 144 CrPC to enforce this ban.
In spite of the efforts made by the state, the gap in the available crop residue management initiatives to its generation is too much. State & Agricultural Department with dept of Industries and Environment requires to take major initiatives for in-situ & ex-situ management of the residue to fill the gap by establishing a greater number of CHCs with adequate CRMs, incentives to farmers on the rental charges demanded by the private CHCs, increasing CBG plants, increasing use of pellet/briquette in brick kiln, Thermal power plant, small boiler units and other industries to replace the use of non-renewable fuel i.e. coal. The state has to develop supply chain of the baled crop residue to the buyer/user.
8. The submission of the learned counsel for the state pollution control board Ms. Parul Bhadoria are that the Bhopal Municipal Corporation has prepared city action plan with following directions to be acted upon by the official concerned these are :-
"Bhopal City Action Plan for Winter Season (100 days Plan) Bhopal Municipal Corporation will perform following activities for the improvement in AQI of Bhopal city -
• For dust suppression, since BMC has started spraying water at daytime (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm) and night time (11:00 pm to 02:00 am) for dusshera festival. But, specially during Dhanteras and choti Diwali and on the day of Diwali, BMC will increase the working hours 26 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
of spraying from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am to maintain for city AQI.
• Increased use of mechanical road sweeping machine along with fogger machine for better dust suppression. • 85 no. of fountains will be operational at various location of Bhopal.
• Increase in working hours of fogger machines. • BMC will suppress dust by mechanical road sweeping machine, followed by suction of dust through sewer suction machine and then spraying of water for better results.
• PUC checking of all waste collection vehicles. • Training of volunteers/ambassadors/swaksha grahi for open waste buring/biomass burning in the city, • Deploy more resources/manpower for strict checking on open waste burning and spot fine activities. • Inspection of under-construction activities sites/areas and impose fine for not using green cover/net on construction activities.
• Use of Helpline number 155304 for C&D waste and open waste burning activities in the city. • Promotion of Green/Eco-friendly crackers. • For proper disposal of firecrackers waste/residue, BMC performs separate mechanism of collection of firecrackers waste/residue through door-to-door vehicles, collects at all Garbage Transfer Stations (GTS) and finally sent to domestic hazardous waste processing facility, Pithampur for its proper disposal, • Proper monitoring on C&D waste collection mechanism by BMC. As a result, BMC has now collecting C&D waste from 86 TPD to 100 TPD from 05 collection stations for CBD waste processing plant."
9. The Indore Municipal Corporation has prepared action plan under Swachh Bharat Mission as follows:-
27OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
"100 Days Action Plan for Reduction of Air Pollution in Winters Indore Municipal Corporation has proposed the following activities to be performed as a 100 Day action Plan for improvement of Air Quality Index.
• Controlling Biomass and Garbage Burning:
• Conducting CBPO events for eliminating the use of biofuels in cooking specifically in commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants, marriage gardens with the wedding season ahead.
• Alternative Biomass Disposal Methods by converting agricultural waste into biochar compost.
• An initiative of Indore Municipal Corporation, "Bhatti Free Market" activity will be done to mise awareness on effects of burning conventional fuels for cooking in commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants, marriage gardens with the wedding season abead.
• Use of 311 app to monitor the complaints of open waste burning if received.
• Ban on buming of Wood/Coal specially in winters for Alaav.
• Diwali Deep Cleaning Drive already operational as a special drive to collect the excess waste generated during the festivals.28
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
• Enhanced Road Dust Management: Road Cleaning:
• Scheduled mechanized street sweeping covering around 800km/day in all the 22 zones with high- traffic areas early in the morning and during night. • Water Sprinkling: the water sprinkling with frequency Early morning (6.00-7.00am), Afternoon (3.00pm-4.00pm) and Late night (after 11.00 pm) on major roadways, especially in the early morning hours when particulate matter tends to accumulate.
• Fogging with Water Sprays: Introduce artificial water sprays during mornings and evenings in pollution hotspots to capture PMia particles in the air. This will also be done near industrial zones or high-traffic areas in the municipal limit.
• A special plan prepared with route plan for water sprinkling and fogging during the Diwali festival.
• Public Transport and Electric Mobility Promotion • With around 180 CNG and 70 E-buses operational in the city, carbon free public transport infrastructure, additionally more than 110 E- buses will soon be operational in the city under "PM E-BUS YOJNA."
• With around 26 charging stations having 211 charging points Installation of more EV charging stations citywide is underway to promote electric cars and two-wheelers, particularly in commercial and high traffic congestion areas.
• Green BRTS : With 29 CNG and 30 E-buses, the BRTS in Indore is a green corridor in Indore city.29
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
• Promoting electric rickshaws and bicycles for last- mile connectivity, reducing reliance on private vehicles in high-traffic areas.
• Public awareness events to be organized regarding the use of Cycles for travelling shorter distances. (1000 cycles through MYBYK are already operational in the city).
• Controlling Vehicular Emissions • Heavy Vehicle Restrictions: Limiting heavy vehicle entry during peak times in the city limit. • Planning to introduce Emission Control Zones-
Designate low-emission zones (LEZ) in areas with high traffic congestion and commercial establishments.
• Establishment of vehicle check stations to enforce compliance with Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms.
• Regular PUC checks in the city, and special drives to check PUC of commercial vehicles entering the city.
• Construction Dust and C&D Waste Management • Enforce strict dust control measures at construction sites during winter, requiring builders to cover materials and apply water regularly to suppress dust.
• Instruction issued to all the construction agencies for following the "Guidelines on Dust Mitigation Measures in Handling Construction Material And C&D waste."30
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
• Diwali Deep Clean Drive is already operational in the city collecting C&D waste.
• Use of 311 app for collection of C&D waste from different parts of the city.
• Ban on Firecracker Use:
• Post-Diwali Ban: Enforce a ban on firecracker use in densely populated areas.
• Promoting uses of Green Crackers.
• Public Health and Awareness Campaigns • Public information dissemination in commercial areas to raise awareness about air quality and PM risks.
• Awareness Drives: Educate students about air pollution and promote non-vehicle days or cycling.
• Awareness Drives: Educating the Safai Mitras and workers about affect of open waste burning on air.
• Awareness Drives: An Activity "Red Light ON Engine OFF" will be done to raise awareness among citizens for switching off their vehicle engines at the traffic signals.
• Increasing Green Infrastructure • Ahilya Vans, a unique initiative of Indore Municipal Corporation with development of around 90 ahilya vans, one in each ward of the city is nearly completed.
• Special drives for plantation in the open spaces of the city are continuously running increasing the green cover of the city.31
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
• Increasing green cover, especially in roadside areas to trap airborne dust.
• Increase vertical gardens along flyovers and busy streets to reduce the dispersion of particulate matter."
10. In the similar pattern the action plan has been prepared by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, Ujjain as follows:-
"100 days Winter Action Plan for Air Pollution Reduction 1 Crackers • The Pollution Control Board will issue a notification to restrict the burning, of firecrackers to 22:00 hours and to allow only the use of green crackers.
• The UMC will collect cracker waste the morning after Deepawali for its proper management.
2 SWM. • Strictly prevent and penalize open burning of Biomass waste and biomass through monitoring.
• A ward level team has been deployed in each ward for enforcing SWM rules and imposing fines on individuals for violation of rules (if any).
• For effective collection and management of solid waste UMC has 2 nos, of existing transfer stations.
• A dedicated team along with vehicles & machineries have been deployed for collection of dry and wet waster and transport it to transfer stations.
• The categories-wise fine charges have already been notified in daily news against the violation of rules.
• Fine will be implement to reduce single use plastic.
• UMC has constructed compost-pits in each municipal parks/garden to prevent the burning of garden waste and produce compost from it.
• The ward level team has issued Challans 32 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
against the dumping & burning of solid waste and burning of biomass and collected penalty. 3 Road • Integrated Traffic management System has Dust and established and maintain at all major traffic Vehicular intersections to control traffic in the city. Emission • UMC is Planning to implement EV Charging station in the city.
• Traffic department and Ujjain Municipal Corporation are jointly enforcing to make left turn free at traffic intersections.
• Concern government officials organized a campaign at multiple traffic intersections to inspect 4-wheelers and commercial vehicles for vehicular emission testing.
• UMC is constructing Dust free roads and road median for improving traffic intersections. • Traffic department has restricted the entry of transport (Tempo, commercial vehicles) at commercial area to prevent from traffic congestion and dust pollution. Separate Roots have been identified for the operation of E- Rikshaw and Tempos as public transport. • Widening of Road will be taken under fy -
2024-25 Action plan."
11. In the similar pattern, Municipal Corporation, Sagar has also prepared a plan to be followed by the authorities concerned.
12. The matter of stubble burning was considered by the MoEF&CC and to control the air quality, necessary guidelines have been prepared and issued as follows:-
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 6th November, 2024 G.S.R. 690(E).-- In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (h) of sub-section (2) of section 25 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (29 of 2021), the Central Government hereby 33 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
makes the following rules to amend the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Rules, 2023, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement.- (1) These rules may be called the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Amendment Rules, 2024.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Rules, 2023 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), for rule 3, the following rule shall be substituted, namely:-
"3. The Commission may impose environmental compensation as per the provisions of the Act for stubble burning, at the following rates:-
(a) the Farmer having an area of land of less than two acres shall pay an environmental compensation of five thousand rupees, per incidence
(b) the Farmer having an area of land of two acres or more but less than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of ten thousand rupees, per incidence;
(c) the Farmer having an area of land of more than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of thirty thousand rupees, per incidence.".
3. In the said rules, in sub-rule (4) of rule 4, for the bracket, words and figures "The officer referred to in sub-rule (4)", the bracket, words and figures "The officer referred to in sub-rule (3)"
shall be substituted.34
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
4. For the Form to the said rules, the following Form shall be substituted, namely:-
"FORM (See rule 3 and rule 4) Challan No...... Dated: ../../....
CHALLAN In pursuance of the section 15 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (29 of 2021) and the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Rules, 2023, the Farmer described below was found/ has been reported to burn stubble or there is an evidence to the effect that Stubble Burning has happened in his land, and consequently Environmental Compensation has been imposed as per the Act and the rules mentioned above, and is directed to deposit such Environmental Compensation as per the following details, namely:-
1. Name of the Farmer:
2. House No. :
3. Street :
4. Village :
5. Post Office :
6. Tehsil :
7. District :
8. State :
9. Contact No. :
10. Details of land including Khasra, Khewat and Khatoni number of the land:
11. The area of land of the farmer who has resorted to stubble burning: (tick the appropriate box) i Less than 2 ii Between 2 to iii More than 5 acres 5 acres acres The Farmer named above may deposit the Environmental Compensation of Rupees (in words only), through Cash or Demand Draft or through electronic mode in the account of respective State Pollution Control Board 35 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
or the Pollution Control Committee, as the case may be within thirty days from the date of Challan.
Signature :
Name :
Designation :
Address :
Seal of the Officer:
Contact No :"
13. In view of the above submissions and the report submitted by the joint committee, the remedial measures which have been suggested by the members of the committee are required to be seriously taken by the state and the district administration to control the stub burning and to maintain the air quality. The suggestions and recommendations are as follows:-
"1.0 Remedial measures Following are the remedial measures which are to be adopted and action need to be initiated to manage the crop residue burning and improve the air quality:
i. Considering the frequency of fire incidents every year, Department of Farmer Welfare & Agriculture Development shall prepare well- structured District & State action plan considering the frequency of fire events every year covering in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management based on the machinery and industrial establishments available in the area. It is required to incorporate inter departmental roles viz. Dept of Industries, Environments, Pollution Control Board etc. despite the single department responsibility i.e. agriculture dept.
ii. Incentives/subsidy needs to be provided on the rental 36 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
charges demanded by the private CHCs establishment in tune to make the rental charges uniform for govt & private CHCs. Further, all the CHCs (Govt. & Private) shall be put on-board on the MP KISAAN APP and same shall be promoted among farmers. Also, maintenance and operational challenges of CRM machinery may be addressed in the least possible time to maximize usage and efficiency.
iii. State shall create an effective supply chain of the crop residue from farm to industry viz. CBG plants, industrial boilers, power plants, brick kilns, packaging, furniture manufacturing units & others. iv. Encourage corporate funding or CSR initiatives to support local farmers in adopting alternative stubble management technologies.
v. As there are technological advancements in agricultural machinery which makes older equipment less efficient or obsolete. Implementing a policy for the replacement of less usable machinery can help farmers stay updated with the latest technology. Few policies like, Trade-In Programs where farmers can trade in their old machinery for newer models at a reduced cost and Buy- Back Schemes where Government or companies buy back old machinery at a reasonable price, ensuring that farmers don't bear the full brunt of depreciation. vi. Fire incidents are being reported on CREAMS:IARI on daily basis using satellite remote sensing in a limited time period, despite their efforts, there are still many non-reported fire incidents, intensive monitoring by district administrations and strict action against violators can indeed help curb this issue. It's crucial to ensure that all incidents are reported and addressed promptly to protect the environment and public health there should be more community involvement in monitoring and reporting of these incidents. vii. During peak stubble burning days using drone cameras 37 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
for surveillance with thermal imaging to detect fires quickly and accurately over large areas can be detected and acted upon swiftly with the involvement of senior officials in the monitoring process ensures accountability and quick decision-making. The combined use of advanced technology and increased human resources can make a substantial difference in managing stubble burning incidents. viii. The Department of Revenue shall ensure that patwaris make entry into the girdawri register details regarding the fields where incidents of crop residue burning have been reported.
ix. A mobile application like MP KISAAN APP may be developed for farmers and citizens to report stubble burning incidents, allowing for real-time tracking and quick response.
x. The Department of School Education shall educate students on the adverse effects of stubble burning on human and soil health, and on the availability of management options.
xi. Promotion of the alternate Zero-Tillage Farming, Happy Seeder Machines & mulching which reduces the need of crop residue burning.
xii. State needs to frame policies that incentivize long-term sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, diversification and organic farming, which reduce the dependency on burning. In addition to diversification, the staggered sowing of paddy need to be promoted to encourage the cultivation of short-duration paddy varieties.
xiii. During the period of stubble burning, monitoring should be done at the prominent locations to assess the impact of stubble burning in the air quality. To assess the contribution on crop residue burning in normal days air quality.
xiv. Stricter Enforcement of Laws:
38
OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024
published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
• Enforce and strengthen regulations against stubble burning, with clear penalties for violations. However, enforcement should be paired with financial or technical support to help farmers adopt alternatives.
• As per notification issued dated 06.11.2024 by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Centre for Air Quality Management has revised the Environmental Compensation amounts against the violators as :
a) the farmer having an area of land of less than two acres shall pay an environmental compensation of five thousand rupees, per incidence;
b) the farmer having an area of land of two acres or more but less than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of ten thousand rupees, per incidence; the farmer having an area of land of more than five acres shall pay an environmental compensation of thirty thousand rupees, per incidence."
14. We further direct that, the provisions contained in the notification dated 06.11.2024 issued by the MoEF&CC must be strictly observed with, in addition to the environmental compensation, with change of technology and replacement of less usable machinery, helping the farmers with the latest technology. All such incidents must be reported promptly to protect the environment and public health and necessary actions to control such incidents must be taken immediately.
39OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"
15. With these observations the Original Application No. 249/2024 stands disposed of.
Sheo Kumar Singh, JM Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, EM 07th February, 2025 O.A No. 249/2024(CZ) PN 40 OA No. 249/2024(CZ) Suo moto action on the newspaper articles dated 16.11.2024 published in Times of India titled as "MP Faces burning questions on sharp rising fires"