States Directed to Deploy Drones for Monitoring Stubble Burning
Context
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to deploy drones for monitoring stubble burning. The move aims to strengthen surveillance and improve enforcement against crop residue burning through technology-driven monitoring.
Key Highlights
- CAQM has instructed five northern States to use drones for real time surveillance of crop residue burning, enabling quicker detection and more effective enforcement.
- Drone-based monitoring will facilitate early identification of fire incidents, mapping of pollution hotspots and collection of geo-tagged evidence, thereby improving regulatory action against violations.
- The initiative combines drone technology, satellite imagery and ground-level inspections to create a more robust and accurate monitoring mechanism for seasonal stubble burning.
- States have been asked to focus surveillance on paddy growing regions and villages with a history of recurring stubble burning, ensuring targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
Key Concepts
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): A statutory body constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, responsible for coordinating measures to improve air quality in the NCR and adjoining States.
- PM2.5 and PM10: Fine particulate pollutants released during stubble burning that significantly degrade air quality and increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A national initiative aimed at reducing particulate pollution through city-specific action plans, strengthened air quality monitoring networks and coordinated pollution control measures.
Way Forward
- Promote affordable and sustainable crop residue management technologies for farmers.
- Strengthen financial incentives and institutional support to discourage stubble burning.
- Expand the use of drones, satellite-based monitoring and other advanced technologies for continuous surveillance.
- Encourage biomass utilisation and ensure coordinated action among States for long-term elimination of crop residue burning.