With the onset of the paddy harvest season in Punjab, cases of stubble burning have once again drawn attention.
Background
- Punjab, a key rice-producing State, witnesses widespread stubble burning after paddy harvest every year.
- Farmers burn leftover stalks to quickly prepare fields for wheat sowing, as they have only a three-week gap between the two crops.
- The practice is a major contributor to North India’s winter air pollution, especially affecting Delhi and surrounding regions.
Decline in Reported Fire Incidents
- According to official data, Punjab recorded 10,909 stubble fires in 2024, compared to 36,663 in 2023, showing a 70% drop.
- Authorities attribute this to government measures, stricter enforcement, and subsidised machinery for residue management.
Increase in Burnt Area
- Despite fewer reported fires, the total area affected by burning remained almost the same — 19.17 lakh hectares in 2024 versus 19.14 lakh hectares in 2023.
- In 2022 and 2021, burnt areas were 15.4 lakh ha and 15.6 lakh ha, respectively, indicating a gradual increase in total burnt land.
Reasons for the Data Discrepancy
- Satellite Limitations: Fire incidents are detected using thermal sensors on satellites like MODIS and VIIRS, which pass over Punjab only a few times daily. Since most fires occur in the late afternoon or evening, many go undetected.
- Small and Fragmented Fires: Punjab’s small landholdings mean fires are short, localised, and low-intensity, making them harder to detect than large-scale forest fires.
- Human Evasion: Some farmers, aware of satellite monitoring, disguise or cover burnt fields before satellite overpass times.
- Improved Remote Sensing Tools: Experts suggest using optical sensors like Sentinel-2, which detect burn scars and discolouration post-fire, offering a more accurate picture.
Way Forward
- Integrated Monitoring Approach: Combine thermal and optical satellite data with ground verification surveys for accurate results.
- Emission-Based Assessment: Evaluate stubble burning impact based on fire intensity, fuel load, and duration, not just burnt area.
- Farmer Support Measures: Expand access to machinery for residue management and incentivise crop diversification.
- Awareness and Enforcement: Continue public awareness campaigns and ensure local-level accountability through village monitoring committees.
Conclusion
While Punjab reports fewer fire incidents, the scale of burnt land and emissions remains significant.
A comprehensive monitoring system, backed by technology and ground validation, is vital to ensure that the decline in numbers reflects real environmental improvement, not just data gaps.
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