ET has learnt that the AAP-ruled Punjab has stated that it is unable to take stronger action against stubble burners due to lax central laws, whereas Haryana has claimed full commitment to the cause, citing both incentives given to farmers to refrain from stubble burning and the most recent decision to restrict MSP benefits in the event of a violation.
Punjab, which generates the majority of farm fires during the winter season, is said to have criticised the Centre for weakening punitive provisions in environmental laws, claiming that this prevents them from taking harsher action against stubble burners.
It is learnt to have submitted that Section l5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1996 has been significantly amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of sanctions) Act, 2023, which ‘removed the penal provisions and substituted them with monetary penalties’.
It has cited similar amendments in the Water (prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Contol of pollution) Act, 1981, and the Public Liability , Insurance Act, 1991.
It is learnt to have further argued that it has always been of the view that monetary incentives must be given to farmers to stay off stubble burning but the Union agriculture ministry has not accepted its repeated funding requests for the same. BJP-led Haryana government, on the other hand, is said to have underlined its commitment to elimination of farm fires and has listed out Incentive schemes for individual farmers as well as panchayats besides the FIRs filed and ‘red entries’ made in case of records on violating farmers. It has also detailed that directions have been given to officials to file prosecution before the competent court of law, in al the cases wherein FIR has ben lodged against the violating farmers, those in the know told ET. Twenty six officials have been suspended and notices issued to 383 officials on penal action related delays, it has pointed out.