Recent developments indicate a shift in how India monitors farm fires, contributor to air pollution, particularly in northern states. The government plans to count these fires by assessing the burnt areas rather than relying solely on satellite data. This change arises from concerns about the reliability of current monitoring methods and their effectiveness in capturing the true extent of the problem.
About the Need for Farm Fires
Farm fires are often lit by farmers to clear paddy stubble post-harvest. This practice is illegal but persists due to its efficiency and the high costs associated with alternative methods like harvesting machines. Farmers face challenges in accessing affordable machinery, leading them to resort to burning.
Current Monitoring Methods
India primarily uses data from NASA’s Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites to monitor farm fires. These satellites provide images twice daily, capturing fires during their brief overpass. However, this method has limitations. It only detects fires visible at the time of the satellite’s pass, leaving a gap in data collection.
Limitations of Satellite Monitoring
The current satellite system has raised questions among experts. Farmers have adapted their burning practices, timing their activities to avoid detection during satellite overpasses. This has led to discrepancies in reported data, prompting calls for more accurate monitoring techniques.
Alternative Monitoring Solutions
The Supreme Court has directed the government to explore data from stationary satellites as a more reliable alternative. However, officials describe this data as sub-optimal. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now developing a system to assess burnt areas, which may provide a more comprehensive view of farm fire incidents.
Challenges Faced by the Commission for Air Quality Management
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been scrutinised for its ineffective response to air pollution. Despite its mandate to improve air quality, it has faced criticism for not enforcing compliance with its orders. The CAQM has claimed reductions in stubble burning but has been challenged by conflicting data from various sources.
Future Directions for Monitoring
ISRO is evaluating the potential of various satellites to improve fire detection and monitoring. The use of both Indian and international satellite data is being considered. The goal is to create a more robust system that accurately reflects the situation on the ground.
Importance of Accurate Data
Accurate data on farm fires is crucial for developing effective pollution control strategies. The discrepancies between different satellite data highlight the need for a reliable method to assess air quality impacts. Improved monitoring will aid in crafting targeted interventions to mitigate pollution.
Government Response and Action Plans
The Government of India is under pressure to enhance its pollution management strategies. The CAQM is working to implement more effective measures and improve coordination with state governments. Future efforts will focus on multiple pollution sources, including vehicular emissions and dust control.
Conclusion
The transition to a more effective monitoring system for farm fires reflects a broader commitment to tackling air pollution in India. By addressing the limitations of current methods, the government aims to ensure a healthier environment for its citizens.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of stubble burning on air quality in northern India.
- Critically discuss the effectiveness of satellite monitoring in environmental management.
- Estimate the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management in addressing pollution in Delhi.
- Point out the challenges faced by farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of stubble burning on air quality in northern India.
- Stubble burning releases large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5), contributing to severe air pollution.
- During October-November, winds carry smoke from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi, worsening air quality.
- Health impacts include respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and increased hospital admissions.
- Stubble burning is factor in seasonal air quality degradation, especially post-Diwali.
- Government measures and public awareness campaigns have been insufficient to curb this practice.
2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of satellite monitoring in environmental management.
- Satellite monitoring provides broad coverage and timely data on fire incidents across large areas.
- Current reliance on NASA satellites captures only visible fires during brief overpasses, limiting data accuracy.
- Farmers have adapted to satellite timings, often burning stubble outside detection windows.
- Discrepancies in reported data question the reliability of satellite monitoring for policy-making.
- Alternative methods, like stationary satellites, may improve accuracy but are currently deemed sub-optimal.
3. Estimate the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management in addressing pollution in Delhi.
- CAQM was established to coordinate pollution control measures and improve air quality in the NCR.
- It has the authority to issue directives and enforce compliance among various stakeholders.
- Despite efforts, the CAQM has faced criticism for ineffective implementation and delayed responses.
- It claims important reductions in stubble burning, yet conflicting data challenges these assertions.
- Future focus will expand to include multiple pollution sources beyond stubble burning.
4. Point out the challenges faced by farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
- High costs and limited availability of alternative machinery for stubble management hinder adoption.
- Farmers often prioritize immediate economic returns over long-term sustainability due to financial pressures.
- Lack of awareness and education about sustainable practices contributes to continued burning.
- Government subsidies for alternatives are often insufficient or difficult to access.
- Cultural practices and traditional methods are deeply ingrained, making change challenging.
