Shift in Burning Timings: A Possible Strategy to Avoid Detection?

Satellite Data Sheds Light on the Issue Amid Ongoing Debate Over Government Data and Environmental Concerns.

The burning of paddy residue in north-west India and Pakistan has raised concerns over its significant contribution to air pollution. While the number of reported stubble fires has declined this year, experts suggest that farmers might be altering their burning schedules to avoid detection by satellite monitoring systems. Satellite data reveals no significant reduction in aerosol levels, indicating a possible "game-changer" approach by farmers.

According to senior research scientist at NASA, Hiren Jethva, farmers may intentionally avoiding satellite overpasses, specifically the late afternoon period when satellites like India's geostationary satellite Geo-KOMPSAT-2A are not actively monitoring. This observation is based on an analysis of GEO-KOMPSAT 2A data showing localized puffs or clouds of smoke in the late afternoon.

"We need to re-evaluate our methods of tracking crop residue burning. Intentionally avoiding NASA-NOAA satellite overpass time could be one reason,” Jethva explained.

Government data collected by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and other agencies shows significant reductions in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana last year, however aerosol levels have remained largely unchanged suggesting that farmers might be deliberately altering their burning patterns.

Chandra Bhushan CEO of iFOREST pointed out, "Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), which measures particulates in the atmosphere has not decreased despite 80-90% decrease in farm fires," suggesting a more accurate measure must be taken to track the actual environmental impact of crop residue burning.