Shift in Burning Timings: A Possible Strategy to Avoid Detection?
Satellite Data Sheds Light on the Issue Amid Stubble Fire Debate
In a surprising development, experts suggest that farmers in north-west India and Pakistan may deliberately alter their burning schedules for crop paddy residue to avoid detection by satellite monitoring systems. The assertion comes as satellite data reveals no significant reduction in aerosol levels despite reports of decreased stubble fires.
According to research scientist Hiren Jethva at NASA, localized smoke clouds in the late afternoon could indicate a pattern of deliberate avoidance of satellite overpasses. "Fire activities concentrated during late afternoon hours past the NASA-NOAA satellite overpass time," he explained, raising further suspicions about farmers' burning patterns.
Government data collected by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and other agencies shows a significant decrease in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana, with farm fires dropping from 33,082 to 8,404 instances during the same period last year. However, satellite images suggest that fire activity appears to shift to the late afternoon, after NASA satellites have passed over.
This observation has prompted experts to question the accuracy of reported stubble burning counts and raise concerns about the effectiveness of current monitoring strategies.
"While Punjab and Haryana saw reductions in stubble burning, other states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi have seen a rise in farm fires," noted Chandra Bhushan, CEO of iFOREST. "This raises serious questions about relying on reported fire counts as a measure of the problem."
Local officials have responded to these claims, rejecting the theory that farmers are intentionally shifting their burning patterns. However, experts argue that more accurate methods of monitoring are needed, such as using India's geostationary satellites.
The debate over stubble burning in north-west India and Pakistan remains complex, with differing views on the extent of the problem and reliability of satellite data. As experts call for improved data collection and investigation strategies, it is clear that further analysis is necessary to address the environmental impact of crop residue burning in the region.
Farm Fires on the Rise in Other States
While Punjab and Haryana saw reductions in stubble burning, other states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi have seen a rise in farm fires compared to previous years. This indicates that while some regions are improving, the problem persists in other areas, leading to concerns about the overall effectiveness of current monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Local Officials Defend Satellite Data Accuracy
Professor Adarshpal Vig, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, emphasized that the data collected by the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre—using both ISRO and NASA satellites—captures incidents of stubble burning, including those that occur at night. "Punjab Remote Sensing Centre gathers data of farm fires from various satellites. Our data also has fire incidents at night. So, avoiding detection by satellites can be a figment of imagination of a few but not the reality," Vig stated.
Similar views were expressed by scientists from Punjab Agricultural University, who dismissed claims that farmers are intentionally shifting their burning times. "It seems fewer crop residue burning was reported," a university scientist noted, supporting the idea that the reduction in stubble burning is likely genuine.
Call to Action
As experts call for more accurate methods of monitoring and improved data collection strategies, it is imperative that further investigation and analysis are conducted to address the environmental impact of crop residue burning in north-west India and Pakistan.