New Delhi, July 30: Farmers may have to pay environmental compensation in future for causing air pollution by stubble burning, according to a new Bill introduced in Parliament on Friday to set up a commission for tackling the menace of toxic air in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
The Bill, which seeks to set up a statutory authority with appropriate powers to tackle air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas, was introduced in the Lok Sabha amid din created by opposition members over the Pegasus spying row and farmers’ issue.
Once passed, ‘The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021’ will replace an ordinance issued in the recent past.
According to the new Bill, “the commission may impose and collect environmental compensation from farmers causing air pollution by stubble burning, at such rate and in such manner, as may be prescribed”.
The central government’s Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and its Adjoining Areas, established in October 2020, was shut down within five months of its constitution.
It was shut in March 2021 due to lapsing of the Ordinance under which it was set up.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill, piloted by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, states that it was noticed there is a lack of a permanent, dedicated and participative mechanism adopting a collaborative and participatory approach involving relevant central ministries, state governments, local bodies and other stakeholders to tackle air pollution, in the NCR and adjoining areas. (PTI)
