Tackling Pollution: Parliamentary Committee Proposes Bold Measures to Curb Stubble Burning

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A parliamentary committee has recommended several key measures to reduce stubble burning incidents in Delhi-NCR in order to address rising pollution levels. The committee has proposed setting a benchmark minimum price for straw and encouraging the adoption of faster-growing rice varieties to mitigate the problem.

Milind Murli Deora, Chairman of the Subordinate Legislation Committee, presented the report on air quality management in NCR and surrounding areas to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The committee emphasized that a minimum price for straw should be established in consultation with state governments, similar to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. This initiative would ensure farmers receive a guaranteed income from selling straw. The recommendation also called for an annual review of the price to ensure its effectiveness.

The committee also suggested improving storage facilities for straw in areas lacking end-users, proposing that such facilities be set up within 20-50 kilometers to reduce the transportation burden on farmers. Addressing one of the main causes of stubble burning, the committee noted that farmers often have less than 25 days after harvesting rice to prepare for sowing the rabi (winter) crops. As a solution, the report recommended promoting quick-maturing rice varieties like Pusa-44, which could help alleviate time constraints.

In addition, the committee urged the creation of a unified national policy for generating bioenergy from agricultural waste. This policy should be drafted with input from several key ministries, including Agriculture, New and Renewable Energy, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Industry, Health, and Environment. The committee also suggested changes to the “Red Entry” rules, which currently penalize farmers for stubble burning. The recommendation proposes that if a farmer is not found guilty of stubble burning again, their name should automatically be removed from the "Red Entry" list after a set period. Additionally, the committee recommended that farmers who adopt environmentally friendly methods for stubble disposal should be allowed to initiate the process to have their name removed from the list.

Further, the committee called for clarity in the provisions related to penalties and actions for stubble burning, including the definition of “small and marginal farmers” and clearer guidelines on the responsibilities of officials in enforcing the rules. These recommendations aim to reduce stubble burning, improve the management of agricultural waste, and help combat the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR.