Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed an improved satellite-based fire-detection algorithm to enhance monitoring of stubble burning during the rabi harvesting season, addressing discrepancies identified by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Key Highlights:
Improved Satellite Monitoring
- ISRO will conduct pilot testing of the modified fire-detection algorithm during the upcoming wheat harvesting season (April–May).
- The improvement aims to provide more accurate detection of farm fires and burnt areas.
Discrepancies in Fire Detection
- In 2025, CAQM reported differences between satellite-detected fire events and actual ground conditions.
- Satellite data recorded:
- 10,207 fire events in Punjab
- 1,832 in Haryana
- 259 in NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh
Shift in Burning Time
- The peak time for stubble burning has shifted from around 1:30 PM in 2020 to about 5 PM in 2024.
- This change may lead to underreporting due to satellite observation timing.
Government Monitoring Measures
- CAQM has mandated strict implementation of State-specific Action Plans to prevent stubble burning.
- Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been instructed to:
- Map farms for stubble management
- Assign nodal officers to clusters of farmers
- Monitor burning at the ground level
Satellite Systems Used
Government fire data are based on satellite observations from:
- NASA Terra and Aqua satellites (MODIS sensors)
- NOAA’s Suomi-NPP satellite (VIIRS sensor)
Significance
- Stubble burning is a major contributor to seasonal air pollution in North India, especially affecting Delhi-NCR during winter.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Rabi Crops
- Crops sown in winter and harvested in spring.
- Examples: Wheat, barley, mustard, gram.
- Kharif Crops
- Crops sown during the monsoon season and harvested in autumn.
- Examples: Rice, maize, cotton, soybean.
- Stubble Burning
- The practice of burning leftover crop residue after harvesting to prepare fields for the next crop.
- Major cause of seasonal air pollution in northern India.
- CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management)
- A statutory body established in 2021 to coordinate air quality management in Delhi-NCR and adjoining states.
- MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)
- A satellite sensor used to monitor environmental changes including fires and vegetation cover.
Relevant Mains Points:
Environmental Impact of Stubble Burning
- Causes severe air pollution and smog formation in northern India.
- Leads to health problems such as respiratory diseases and reduced visibility.
- Contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation.
Technological Role in Environmental Governance
- Satellite-based monitoring enables:
- Real-time tracking of farm fires
- Better enforcement of anti-burning regulations
- Evidence-based policy interventions
Challenges
- Farmers often burn stubble due to:
- High cost of residue management machinery
- Short time window between crop cycles
- Limited awareness and enforcement capacity
Way Forward
- Promote crop residue management technologies like Happy Seeder and bio-decomposers.
- Strengthen financial incentives for farmers adopting sustainable practices.
- Enhance satellite monitoring and ground verification systems.
- Encourage inter-state coordination to tackle regional air pollution.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper 3: Environmental Pollution, Space Technology Applications
- Prelims: CAQM, MODIS, Rabi-Kharif crops, Stubble Burning