Punjab farm fire cases fell 70% in 2024, but total scorched area shows a rising trend, Pg11.

Key Highlights:

• Punjab recorded 10,909 farm fire incidents in 2024, down from 36,663 in 2023 (–70%).
• However, total burnt area rose to 19.17 lakh hectares in 2024 from 19.14 lakh hectares in 2023.
• Data sourced from Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).
• Lowest fire count in Pathankot district (4 incidents); highest in Sangrur (3,002 incidents).
• Experts suspect underreporting of incidents or technical anomalies in satellite detection.
• Farmers allegedly burn stubble at night or early morning to evade detection by satellites.

Detailed Insights:

• Data Paradox: The decline in recorded incidents contrasts with the rise in total burnt area, suggesting possible flaws in data capture or interpretation.
• Technological Limitation: Satellite imagery used by PRSC may miss multiple fires in the same area due to low temporal resolution or overlapping detection windows.
• Ground Reality:
  • Environmental activists highlight discrepancies between official data and on-ground observations.
  • Farmers reportedly use thermal masking techniques and time fires to avoid surveillance.
• Policy Concerns:
  • The mismatch challenges claims of government success in curbing residue burning.
  • Questions raised about the reliability of residue management programs and incentives under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Health & Environmental Impact: Despite reduced incidents, the continued high burnt area suggests persistent air quality challenges, especially in north India during winter.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Residue Burning (Stubble Burning): Agricultural practice of burning leftover paddy straw to clear fields quickly; a major source of PM2.5 pollution.
• Remote Sensing: Use of satellites to detect thermal anomalies; limited by spatial and temporal resolution.
• Thermal Imaging: Infrared-based technique to identify heat signatures from fires; accuracy affected by time and cloud cover.