Scientist identifies 34,000 farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, far exceeding official records
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims + Mains·
Data discrepancy in air quality monitoring: a GS3 and Science & Technology case study.
Why in news
Dr. Hiren Jethva identified 34,000 farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, significantly exceeding the official count of 4,459 recorded by the Commission for Air Quality Management.
Background
Dr. Hiren Jethva, a scientist associated with Morgan State University and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, identified 34,000 farm fires between October 1 and November 9. The Commission for Air Quality Management recorded only 4,459 incidents during the same period.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact34,000 farm fires identified by Dr. Hiren Jethva in Punjab and Haryana between October 1 and November 9.
- Fact4,459 farm fires officially recorded by the Commission for Air Quality Management.
- S&TNASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre is involved in satellite observation of farm fires.
- PlacePunjab and Haryana are the primary states identified for the farm fire data.
Prelims practice question
Which body officially recorded 4,459 farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana?
- (a)Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- (b)National Green Tribunal
- (c)Central Pollution Control Board
- (d)Commission for Air Quality Management
Show answer
Answer: (d) Commission for Air Quality Management — The note states that the Commission for Air Quality Management recorded 4,459 incidents.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the limitations of satellite-based monitoring in tracking agricultural residue burning and suggest measures to improve data accuracy for air quality management.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Monitoring gap: Farmers shifting burning times beyond satellite observation windows leads to underreporting
- Data discrepancy: Significant variance between independent scientific calculations and official Commission for Air Quality Management records
Keywords: agricultural residue burning · satellite observation · data discrepancy · air quality management · remote sensing
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.