Mismatch in data on stubble burning cases in Malerkotla

Exhibiting a gross deviation from the data on 23 farm fires shared by the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), the nodal officers concerned here have reported non-existence of any such case at 17 sites. Six nodal officers have not yet submitted physical verification reports to their seniors.

Even if those officers confirm any such incident, these will most probably be minor cases as the administration has not received any complaint about any major farm fire so far.

Assistant Environment Engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Simardeep Singh acknowledged that the information provided by the PRSC regarding fire incidents had buttressed the ongoing campaign launched by the administration against stubble burning. However, there was no evidence of any farm fire at most of the target fields during the specified period.

“According to the data received from the PRSC, 23 fields were reported to be on fire on various dates, but nodal officers on physical verification found at least 17 incidents to be non-existent,” said Simardeep Singh. The verification reports regarding six indents were yet to be received, he added.

The geo-tagged photographs in connection with 13 reported spots had confirmed that no fire occurred at those coordinates, he added.

Thermal imaging system through satellites is used to take images with coordinates specifying localities witnessing fluctuation in heat. “Any source producing higher temperature may be mistaken with a field on fire,” said an environmentalist. The deviation in the number of farm fires reported and verified was due to technical limitations of the system, he added.

Meanwhile, functionaries in various departments have been advised to continue IEC (information, education and communication) activities to sensitise all stakeholders to shun farm fires.