Satellite Data Shows 20% Reduction in Stubble Burning Area in Major Punjab Districts
Data from satellite imagery indicates that the area affected by stubble burning in three major Punjab districts—Amritsar, Taran Taran, and Ferozpur—is 20% lower than last year. While fire counts are often used as a metric, experts argue that 'burnt area' is a more accurate indicator of the scale of the problem. Despite the reduction, there was a sharp spike in fire counts in early November, attributed to the narrow window for sowing the rabi crop. The government continues to monitor fire counts daily but does not regularly disclose the total burnt area, which is crucial for accurate environmental assessment.
Key Points
- Burnt area is considered a more accurate metric for assessing stubble burning impact than simple fire counts, which can be misleading.
- Amritsar, Taran Taran, and Ferozpur are the three major districts in Punjab showing a significant reduction in burnt area this year.
- Satellite imagery from firms like Suhora Technologies helps in analyzing the extent of farm fires by looking at 'burnt scars' on the landscape.
- Heavy rain and flooding in September led to a delayed harvest, which shifted the peak burning period to the first fortnight of November.
Exam Facts
- Burnt area in Punjab rose from 15.4 lakh hectares in 2022 to 19.1 lakh hectares in 2023.
- Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) is the state-level body monitoring these activities.
- The rabi crop sowing window typically closes by mid-November.
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