Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Pollution, Agricultural Practices)
Source: The Hindu

Context & News

The Supreme Court has agreed to review claims that farmers in parts of north India are evading satellite-based monitoring to continue stubble burning, despite repeated restrictions. The issue arises as winter pollution levels spike across the Indo-Gangetic Plains and authorities rely heavily on remote-sensing data to detect and prevent burning incidents.

Key Concept – Satellite Monitoring & Stubble Detection

• Remote sensing uses satellite imagery to detect thermal anomalies, burnt areas, and fire counts.
• Data from ISRO and other platforms helps governments track stubble-burning in near-real time.
• Evasion may occur through night-time burning, small dispersed fires, or cloud cover, reducing detection accuracy.

Why It Matters

Policy Context

• Crop residue burning is prohibited under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• Central schemes promote alternatives: Happy Seeder, Super Straw Management Systems, in-situ and ex-situ management.
• Linked to NCAP, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and SDG 13 – Climate Action.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

With reference to stubble-burning monitoring in India, consider the following statements:

1. Satellite-based remote sensing can detect open-field burning events using thermal signatures.
2. Stubble burning is prohibited under national air pollution laws.
3. Crop residue burning has no significant impact on regional air quality beyond farm boundaries.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All of the above

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line Wrap:
The case highlights the need to strengthen technology-backed enforcement and farmer-friendly alternatives to curb India’s recurring stubble-burning pollution cycle.