NASA image points at widespread stubble fire in Punjab, warns of more burning in coming weeks

The space agency warned of more fires in the comings weeks.

Image Courtesy: NASA

NEW DELHI: Recent image released by the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) points at widespread stubble burning across north India.

The space agency points out that stubble burnings are fewer this year so far but will go up in the comings weeks due to the extended rainy season in September that forced a late harvest. 

This, in turn, could further reduce the air quality and increase pollution in the northern states of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

In an accompanying note, NASA writes, “Although stubble burning is banned in India many farmers do not have the necessary farming equipment to rid their fields of leftover organic debris.

“So far there have been fewer agricultural fires this year than in year's past but there are still quite a few fires burning with the smoke drifting southward toward the state of Uttar Pradesh. The lower number of fires may be due to the fact that there was a significant rainy season in September forcing a late harvest. The fires may increase in the next few weeks.”

The natural-colour image was captured by the Suomi NPP satellite on October 23, 2018, reported the space agency. It was released in NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application.

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Wednesday released a statement blaming the crop residue burning in parts of northern India for deterioration in air quality in Delhi-NCR

“I have consistently maintained that crop residue (stubble) burning in parts of northern India leads to severe deterioration in air quality in Delhi and NCR cities/towns during this time of the year,” says Hussain, adding “The unfortunate trend has so far continued this season too, and the latest photographs from the NASA satellite proves it beyond doubt.”

“Delhi/NCR is facing such a situation induced by the Agricultural residue burning and adverse metrological conditions. Biomass burning is observed in different satellite images,” he said.  

Air quality continued to deteriorate in Delhi-NCR regions on Thursday morning.

State hospitals witnessed a rise in cases of respiratory and breathing complications due to pollution, with kids among worst affected.

The overall air quality index of Delhi on Wednesday was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which falls in the 'very poor' category.

Delhi recorded "severe" pollution, worst of the season, on Tuesday. 

Doctors have advised all to stay indoors as much as possible.