Law on Stubble Burning Needed, Says Bawankule; announces Rs2.5lakh housing aid, Rs23k immediate relief

Nagpur: Calling for stronger legal and policy intervention, Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday pitched for a dedicated law to curb stubble burning after visiting the fire-ravaged Dhamangaon village. "Stubble burning must be legally prohibited," he said. Several northern states, including Punjab and Haryana, have already imposed bans due to its role in severe air pollution in the NCR, especially during winter.He flagged gaps in the existing framework, noting that while the Centre's disaster management norms provide compensation for fire-related losses, similar provisions are absent in state policy. Referring to efforts led by MoS Ashish Jaiswal, Bawankule said affected families will receive immediate assistance of ₹23,000 from the state govt, along with a month's supply of food grains and free sand for rebuilding homes. In addition, ₹20 lakh from the Koradi Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Sansthan will be distributed — ₹1 lakh for fully damaged houses, ₹75,000 for 75% damage, ₹50,000 for 50% loss, and ₹25,000 for partially affected households.He added that ₹2.5 lakh will be provided to each affected family from mining funds for house construction. A proposal for further assistance under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund will be submitted on Monday and placed before the Cabinet the following day. Bawankule said he will review the situation during a follow-up visit in 15 days.The revenue minister said two fire tenders have been stationed at the taluka level and in each Nagar Panchayat, but stressed that deployment alone is insufficient without trained personnel and supporting infrastructure. He noted that a timely response by fire brigades from nearby municipal councils helped contain the blaze.Efforts are also underway to mobilise CSR funds from MIDC companies to supplement govt aid. Meanwhile, fodder is being arranged for livestock, and water tankers will be deployed for the next two months to prevent health risks in the village.