Is Punjab’s stubble burning problem really declining?, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Punjab witnessed fewer stubble burning incidents in 2024 with 10,909 cases, a 70% decline from 36,663 in 2023.
• Despite fewer incidents, the area affected by stubble burning in 2024 was approximately 19.17 lakh hectares, slightly more than 19.14 lakh hectares in 2023.
• Satellite data is used to record farm fire incidents via thermal imaging, but this method has limitations in detecting all fires.
• Experts suggest integrating thermal and optical satellite observations with ground surveys for accurate fire data assessment.

Detailed Insights:

• Stubble burning is practiced due to the short window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, with farmers considering it the most effective method.
• While fire counts have decreased, the total burnt area may have increased due to missed smaller fires and limitations of satellite detection.
• Satellites may miss fires due to their limited passes, cloud cover, and the prevalence of short-duration fires on small landholdings.
• Farmers may be covering burnt areas before satellite overpasses, leading to underreporting of stubble burning incidents.
• More precise burnt-area estimation is possible using optical sensors like Sentinel-2 to identify post-fire discolouration and burn scars.
• Accurate assessment requires integrating thermal and optical satellite observations validated through ground surveys.
• Increased burnt area doesn't necessarily mean higher emissions, as many fires are low-intensity, partial, or short-duration.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Thermal Imaging: Using temperature differences to detect fires via satellites.
• Optical Sensors: Sensors like Sentinel-2 that identify post-fire discolouration.
• Remote Sensing: Acquiring information about an object or area from a distance.