Satellite Tracking of Stubble Burning in Delhi

Source: The post Satellite Tracking of Stubble Burning in Delhi has been created, based on the article “On stubble burning and satellite data” published in “The Hindu” on 26th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses the issue of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, which worsen air quality in Delhi. It highlights how satellites are used to track these fires, the controversy over their timing, and the government’s response to air pollution and stubble burning.

For detailed information on Air Pollution in Delhi read this article here

Why is Delhi’s air quality worsening after Deepavali?

1. Delhi’s air quality has remained poor despite implementing GRAP Stage IV measures and the Supreme Court’s intervention.
2. Paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is a major cause.
3. Farmers burn stubble after harvesting rice to prepare for wheat sowing. The smoke drifts to Delhi, worsening air quality due to seasonal winds.

How Are Farm Fires Detected?

1. NASA Satellites: Farm fires are tracked using NASA’s Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites. These satellites use MODIS and VIIRS instruments to detect fires through visible and infrared imaging.
2. Satellite Overpass Timing: The satellites pass over each location at 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., capturing images of fires during these times.
3. Aerosol Tracking: Suomi-NPP’s Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite measures aerosol levels to track smoke from fires and its pollution contribution.
4. Alternative Satellites: South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT 2A provides additional data. It captured images showing more fires occurring after NASA’s satellites had completed their overpass.

What is the new controversy?

1. Timing of Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab and Haryana may be burning stubble after NASA satellites Aqua and Suomi-NPP complete their overpasses (1:30 p.m.), avoiding detection. This was suggested by NASA scientist Hiren Jethva based on satellite observations.
2. Contradictory Observations: GEO-KOMPSAT 2A satellite data showed smoke thickening later in the day, implying more fires after Aqua and Suomi-NPP’s scans.
3. Aerosol Levels: Aerosol quantities remain unchanged compared to previous years, despite claims of fewer fires, indicating undetected burning.
4. CAQM’s Stance: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was created in 2020 to address air pollution in the NCR. It claims a 71% reduction in fires in Punjab since 2020. However, Punjab government data shows the burnt area increased by 24% between 2022 and 2023, and IARI data shows a 15% increase.
5. Farmer Awareness: Meeting records (March 2024) and farmer accounts reveal instructions to burn stubble after 4 p.m.

What are the challenges in resolving stubble burning?

1. Timing of Fires: Farmers may burn stubble after satellite overpasses to avoid detection. Data from NASA’s Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites shows fewer fires than expected, while other satellites like GEO-KOMPSAT 2A show increased smoke later in the day.
2. Satellite Limitations: ISRO’s INSAT-3DR and RESOURCESAT satellites can track fires but have limitations. INSAT-3DR’s data resolution is coarse, while RESOURCESAT-2A has better imaging but lower coverage. GISAT-1, a satellite launched in 2021, failed to reach orbit, leaving limited domestic resources for precise monitoring.
3. Economic Constraints: Burning stubble is cheaper and quicker for farmers than alternative methods. Despite government efforts, cost-effective solutions remain scarce.
4. Inconsistent Data: The CAQM claims fires have reduced, but data from Punjab and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute show increases in burnt areas, indicating discrepancies in reporting.

Question for practice:

Discuss the role of satellite technology in tracking stubble burning and its effectiveness in addressing air pollution issues in Delhi.