To Curb Farm Fires, Govt Readies Stiff 'Red Entry' Rules In Revenue Records, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• The Central government has proposed new draft rules to strengthen the "red entry" system in revenue records for farmers involved in stubble burning in Delhi-NCR.
• A "red entry" would mark land belonging to farmers found burning stubble for up to 15 months, potentially affecting their access to loans, mortgages, and government schemes.
• The draft rules, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, specify the validity of these entries under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Rules, 2026.
• The validity of a "red entry" can be extended for another 15 months if subsequent incidents of stubble burning occur or if environmental compensation is not paid.
• The proposed rules aim to curb crop residue burning, which contributes up to 35% of pollutants in Delhi-NCR's winter air.

Stubble Burning.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The "red entry" system, first notified in 2023, has faced opposition from farm unions, who argue for financial assistance for stubble management.
• The new draft rules, published on September 16, clarify the duration of the "red entry" and its extension conditions, but do not alter the land-holding-based compensation structure.
• Environmental compensation collected from farmers will be utilized for measures such as crop diversification, biomass utilization, research in crop residue management, and subsidizing residue management technologies.
• In Haryana, a "red entry" on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal could ban farmers for two years, depriving them of agricultural scheme benefits.
• A parliamentary standing committee previously recommended an "incentive-based" system for early removal of "red entries" for farmers adopting sustainable practices.
• The government has provided a two-month window for stakeholders to submit objections and suggestions to the draft rules.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Red Entry: A mark in land revenue records indicating a violation, potentially restricting access to financial services and government schemes for farmers.
• Stubble Burning: The practice of intentionally setting fire to crop residue after harvest, a significant contributor to air pollution.
• Environmental Compensation: Fines imposed on farmers for stubble burning, with amounts varying based on land size.
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): A statutory body responsible for coordinating and implementing measures to improve air quality in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
• Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal: An online platform by the Haryana government for farmers to register crop and land details to avail government benefits.