Satellite flagging farm fires across border too, leaves field staff in a fix

Tracking farm fires to curb pollution has emerged as a challenge for ground staff in Punjab, especially near the India-Pakistan border. On six occasions in the past month, field staff stationed in Tarn Taran found themselves standing at the border fence, only to discover that the paddy residue fires were on the Pakistan side of the border.

A report accessed by The Tribune revealed that on October 26, November 4, 6, 11 and 25, the farm fire locations flagged by satellite coordinates were beyond the Indian border. Supervisory officers in Tarn Taran confirmed that all six incidents occurred on the Pakistan side.

Acknowledging the issue, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Adarshpal Vig said, “Farm fires are prevalent among farmers on the other side of the fence in Pakistan as well. Many districts in our state share boundary with Pakistan, sometime leading to confusion while tracking satellite coordinates.”

Vig said the satellites relied on thermal imaging to detect fires and provide coordinates. However, pinpoint precision is often not feasible, leading to errors. “In some cases, the coordinates directed field staff to incidents occurring in neighbouring areas,” he added.

The Punjab Government has deployed over 8,000 nodal officers to monitor and manage farm fires. These officers receive satellite images and coordinates, visit the identified locations and submit action-taken reports. Any negligence or failure to act may result in departmental inquiries or even cases.

The authorities have taken stringent measures against violators. Over Rs 2.04 crore fine has been imposed in 5,228 cases, with Rs 1.35 crore recovered as environmental compensation. Additionally, 5,340 FIRs have been registered and 5,228 red entries made in the land records of erring farmers. Accountability extends to enforcement officers as well. As many as 1,374 warning and show-cause notices have been issued to nodal and supervisory officers, with proceedings initiated against 82 under Section 14 of the CAQM Act.

As the harvesting season nears conclusion, the number of farm fire incidents has started declining. On Wednesday, 41 cases of stubble burning were reported across the state. Fazilka recorded 11 incidents, Muktsar seven and Ferozepur six.

Improved wind speed has helped reduce pollution level across the state. The air quality index (AQI) has improved in key cities. Ludhiana was the most polluted city with an AQI of 229, followed by Amritsar (180), Jalandhar (180) and Bathinda (96).