Punjab's Farm Fires: A Data Paradox and the Challenge of Accurate Monitoring
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Air Pollution, Stubble Burning); Science and Technology (Applications of Remote Sensing, Satellite Technology).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment, S&T, Agriculture): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Major crops cropping patterns. The use and limitations of technology in environmental governance is a key theme.
Key Highlights from the News
Reports indicate a significant discrepancy in the official 2024 data regarding farm fires in Punjab fields.
While the government claims a 70% decrease in the number of farm fire incidents recorded by satellites, the figures show that the total area scorched by fires increased compared to the previous year.
This discrepancy raises suspicion that the number of fire incidents was under-reported, or that farmers attempted to avoid satellite monitoring.
Farmers may be burning stubble at times other than when satellites pass, which could explain the difference in these figures.
Experts say that measuring the total area burned in a region is a more accurate metric than counting the number of fire incidents.
This incident highlights the challenges of using technology for environmental monitoring and its limitations.
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