Monitoring Buring Through Remote Sensing

1
Report
2015
Monitoring Residue Burning
through
Satellite Remote Sensing
Prepared by:
PUNJAB REMOTE SENSING CENTRE
LUDHIANA – 141004
Submitted to:
PUNJAB POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
PATIALA – 147001
Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala
2
Chapter 1
Introduction
Highly mechanized farming practiced in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) leaves a huge
amount of straw and stubbles in the field after harvest rice which is not decomposed
quickly in the soil. At present Punjab has about 2.722 M ha under paddy cultivation that
produces roughly 16 to 17 million tonnes of rice straw and about three-fourth of the
residue is disposed off in the field.
In Punjab, the harvesting of rice extends up to mid November as transplanting of

rice before June 15th from this year is not legal in Punjab according to “The Punjab
Preservation of Sub-soil Water Act-2009”. At that point, farmers are not able to manage
the large amount crop residue in a short time to comply with the land preparation
operations for the next crop in the high cropping intensity system (Rice-Wheat). Moreover,
poor storage facility for the straw and lack of market demand for further use, high labour
wages and anxiety of the farmers to get the crop produce collected and marketed at the
earliest makes the disposal very difficult and the crop residue with high moisture content is
subjected to open burning in the field only. Due to this, a vast cloud of smoke engulfs the
whole Punjab state, India, during October–November posing a serious threat to soil and
environmental quality and human health as well. Agricultural crop residue burning
contribute towards the emission of greenhouse gases (CO 2, N2O, CH4), air pollutants (CO,
NH3, NOx, SO2, NMHC, volatile organic compounds), particulates matter and smoke
having direct influence on global warming. Furthermore, it depletes the soil of its organic
matter, major nutrients and reduces microbial biomass in soil that ultimately impairs the
efficacy of organic matter application in the next cropping season. It is estimated that
burning of one tonne of rice straw accounts for loss of 5.5 kg of nitrogen, 2.3 kg of
phosphorus, 25 kg of potassium and 1.2 kg of sulphur. The heat generated elevates the
temperature of soil and thus, killing fungi, pests, reptiles and the like that are otherwise
beneficial for the crops. (The Times of India, May, 10, 2015)
Apart from environmental pollution, it also causes health ailments such as

respiratory problems, asthma, cough, bronchitis, skin ailments and conjunctivitis. It also
depletes red blood cell (RBC) counts and adversely affects the oxygen-carrying capacity in
the body.

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Mapping the timing and extent of fire incidence is important as fire is a prominent
disturbance factor affecting ecosystem structure and the cycling of carbon and nutrients
and is a globally-significant cause of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., Crutzen & Andreae,
1990; Bond et al., 2005). Satellite data have been used to monitor biomass burning at
regional to global scale using algorithms that detect the location of active fire at the time of
satellite overpass, and in the last decade using burned area mapping algorithms that map
directly the spatial extent of the areas affected by fire. The NASA Moderate Resolution
Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Terra (morning 10.30 AM) and Aqua
(afternoon 1.30 PM) satellites has specific features for fire monitoring and has been used
to systematically generate a suite of global MODIS land products (Justice et al., 2002b)
including a 1 km active fire product (Kaufman et al., 1998; Justice et al., 2002a; Giglio et
al., 2003) and more recently a burned area product that maps the approximate day and
extent of burning at 500 m resolution (Roy et al., 2005a). The burned area mapping, aims
at detecting and delineating the scars left by fires using their spectral signature and
provides the assessment of area affected by fire. These sensors have a high temporal
resolution (almost daily) due to wide viewing swaths (512km-3000km), while their spatial
resolution varies between 250m (two bands in MODIS) and around 1 km (all other
sensors) and include spectral bands of varying bandwidths (Eva and Lambin, 1998). The
recent advancements in sensor characteristics at finer resolution give the way out to
resolve the short comings of coarse resolution sensors. Regional level studies related to
biomass burning, using medium to finer spatial resolution sensors (IRS-P6 AWiFS 56m to
IRS-P6 LISS III 23.5m with spatial coverage of 370 km and 141km, respectively) resolves
the problem in detecting even the small burned areas effectively but provides restriction in
frequent assessment & monitoring of agricultural burning activity due to its low receptivity
24 days in case of IRS P6).
Therefore, the present study was under taken with the objectives
 District-wise burning pattern,

 Extent and area of burning
 Visible impact of smoke in adjoining states and
 To draw imagery of district-wise total area of paddy

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Chapter 2
Methodology
2.1. Data Used
To achieve the objectives of the study, images of MODIS Terra/Aqua were acquired from
15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-2015 (Source: http://earthdata.nasa.gov/labs/worldview). Time of
terra pass is 10.30 am whereas time of Aqua pass is 1.30 pm. Active fire events captured
by MODIS Terra and Aqua pass were acquired daily starting from 15-Oct-2015 to 15-
Nov-2015. For estimating total burnt area multispectral, multisensory and multidate
images from IRS Resourcesat-2 (AWiFS and LISS-3, having spatial resolution of 56 and
24 m, respectively) and Landsat-8 with 30 m spatial resolution were used.
Table 2.1: Data used for burnt area estimation in Punjab
Satellite Spatial Path Date of

Districts Covered
/Sensor Resolution /Row Pass
095/047 a
All Districts of Punjab (except some parts of Patiala and
095/047 c 18/10/2015
SAS Nagar Districts)
095/047 d
091/047 b
21 Districts of Punjab (except SAS Nagar and some parts
091/047 d 22/10/2015
of Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala Districts)
092/047 b
092/047 d 27/10/2015 All 22 Districts of Punjab
093/047 b
093/047 c 1/11/2015 All 22 Districts of Punjab
093/047 d
IRS R2 089/047 b
56 m 5/11/2015 Some parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur and Fazilka
AWiFS 089/047 d
094/047 a All Districts of Punjab (except some parts of Hoshiarpur,
094/047 c 6/11/2015 SBS Nagar, Jalandher, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Barnala and
094/047 d Mansa Districts covered under small strip)
091/048 b 21 Districts of Punjab (except SAS Nagar and some parts
15/11/2015
091/048 d of Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala Districts)
089/047 b Some parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur and Fazilka
29/11/2015
089/047 d Districts
094/047 a All Districts of Punjab (except some parts of Hoshiarpur,
094/047 c 30/11/2015 SBS Nagar, Jalandher, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Barnala and
094/047 d Mansa Districts covered under small strip)
24/10/2015
Pathankot,Gurdaspur,Hoshiarpur,Amritsar,TarnTaran,Kapu
148/038 9/11/2015
rthala,Jalandhar, SBS Nagar Districts
25/11/2015
Landsat-8 30 m
24/10/2015
148/039 9/11/2015 Firozpur,Moga,Faridkot,Muktsar,Bathinda,Barnala,
25/11/2015 Mansa,Ludhiana,Sangrur

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Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib Districts and some

095/049 18/10/2015
parts of SBS Nagar, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Patiala Districts
Patiala District and some parts of SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh
095/050 18/10/2015
Sahib and Sangrur Districts
Some parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Firozpur and

092/049 27/10/2015
Muktsar Districts
095/049 Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib Districts and some
11/11/2015
parts of SBS Nagar, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Patiala Districts
Patiala District and some parts of SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh
095/050 11/11/2015
Sahib and Sangrur Districts
IRS R2 Some parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Firozpur and

24 m 092/049 20/11/2015
LISS-III Muktsar Districts
Ludhiana, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Some
094/049 30/11/2015 parts of Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandher, Moga and
Districts
Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa, some parts of Bathinda,
094/050 30/11/2015
Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala Districts
Major parts of Firozpur & Faridkot and Some parts of

093/049 c 1/11/2015
Fazilka & Muktsar Districts
093/050 a 1/11/2015 Major parts of Fazilka & Muktsar Districts
094/048 c 6/11/2015 Major parts of Hoshiarpur Districts
Major parts of Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar & Kapurthala and

094/049 a 6/11/2015
Some parts of SBS Nagar Districts
Major parts of Ludhiana, Moga & Barnala and Some parts
094/049 c 6/11/2015
of Jalandhar, Sangrur & Bathinda Districts
IRS R2
5.6 m 095/049 a 11/11/2015 Major parts of Rupnagar and Some parts of SBS Nagar
LISS-IV
Major parts of Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib & SAS Nagar

095/049 c 11/11/2015
and Some parts of Patiala Districts
095/050 a 11/11/2015 Major parts of Patiala District
095/050 c 11/11/2015 Some parts of Patiala and Sangrur Districts
Major parts of SBS Nagar & Rupnagar and Some parts of

094/049 b 30/11/2015
Hoshiarpur & Ludhiana Districts
094/049 d 30/11/2015 Some parts of Sangrur and Mansa Districts

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2.2. Methodology
Analysis of fire events due to crop residue burning
The daily active fire events due to crop residue burning in Punjab captured by MODIS
Terra and Aqua pass starting from 15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-2015 were acquired. These
points were geo-tagged with district and state boundary of Punjab. District-wise daily fire
events were extracted and cumulated to the state for computing total fire events. One Km
buffer was created around collected ground truth points and used for verifying the MODIS
active fire points. Fire event density was evaluated based on number of fire events per
thousand hectares.
Estimation of area under crop residue burning
To estimate burnt area due to crop residue burning, multi-date AWiFS, LISS-III and
Landsat-8 images were used for digital image analysis (details shown in Table 2.1).
Satellite data procured were multidate, multi-sensor, multi-scale keeping in view of timely
monitoring of crop residue burning and estimating burnt area. For the classification of
burnt areas, Hybrid classification technique is used. Classification of burnt area was
performed on NDVI image derived from each image of different dates and classified
pixels of previous date image were masked from the next date image and so on. At the
end, classified results from all dates were added to estimate total burnt area in the state.
Classified map was verified using ground truth points which were collected during the
field survey.

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Terra/ Aqua MODIS Fire

MODIS Alerts
Images
geotaging
Analysis of fire
occurrences
District-wise fire
event density
Multidate Multidate Multidate Ground

AWiFS Landsat-8 LISS III truth
data data data points
Preprocessing Preprocessing Preprocessing
Classification Classification Classification
Masking out previous date classified area from the current date
Adding multidate classified results
Classified output
Validation
Output Map: Area under crop residue burning
Fig-2.1. Methodology flowchart

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2.3. Study area:
Study area covers the whole state of Punjab (Map 2.1), a part of Indus plain, covers a
geographical area of 50362 sq. km. It lies between 29° 32ʹ & 32° 31ʹ N latitude and 73° 52ʹ
& 76° 52ʹ E longitude. It shares the International border with Pakistan in western side
while in the north it is bounded by Jammu and Kashmir, in the north-east by Himachal
Pardesh, in east, south-east and south by Haryana and in south-west by Rajasthan. The
state of Punjab can be divided broadly divided into three socio-cultural regions, viz.
Majha, the land between the Ravi and Beas rivers (8660 sq. km); Duaba, the land between
rivers Satluj and Beas (8892 sq. km) and Malwa, encompassing area south of river Satluj
(32,810 sq. km), out of which S-W zone (cotton belt) covers 14923 sq. km area. The state
of Punjab is divided into 22 districts which are further divided into 145 development
blocks.
AWiFS 92/47 03 October, 2015
Map 2.1: Study area – Punjab State

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Chapter 3
Results
3.1. District-wise Daily Fire Events in Punjab
Agricultural fire events (red points) overlaid on MODIS Terra and Aqua images in Punjab
captured for a period from 15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-2015 are presented in the following
figures.
P U N J A B
Terra, 15 Oct, 2015
P U N J A B
Aqua, 15 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point

Fig 3.1: Active fire points overlaid on MODIS satellite imagery of 15-Oct-2015
Terra: The local equatorial crossing time is approximately 10:30 a.m. in a descending node
Aqua: The local equatorial crossing time is approximately 1:30 p.m. in an ascending node

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MODIS Terra and Aqua images acquired for fire events (red points) in Punjab captured on
15-Oct-2015 are presented in the above figure (Fig 3.1). It was observed that on October
15, 2015 all the fire events occurred in afternoon which was clearly seen in Aqua image. In
the morning, the crop residue remains moist, which dries up as the day progresses.
Another reason for no event in the morning on 15 Oct may be the rainfall on the preceding
day i. e. on 14th Oct, 2015.
Fig 3.2: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 15-Oct-2015.
On October 15, 2015 a total of 167 fire events were captured by the satellite and the
maximum events were observed in in Firozpur district (26), followed by Muktsar (22),
Faridkot and Tarn Taran (18), Bathinda (15), Kapurthala (12), Jalandhar (11), whereas no
fire event was captured in the districts of Barnala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Rupnagar ad
SAS Nagar. The frequency of crop residue burning is less in the central Punjab, which is a
major rice growing area as the harvesting of the crop has not picked up in these districts as
well in the districts in the shivalik hills comprising the kandi belt of Punjab, when
compared with the north-west and south-west districts of the State.

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P U N J A B
P U N J A B
Terra, 16 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point
P U N J A B
Aqua, 16 Oct, 2015
Fig 3.3: Active fire points overlaid on MODIS satellite imagery of 16-Oct-2015.

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16, 2015 a reverse trend was observed in comparison to October 15, 2015 i. e. all the fire
events occurred in forenoon which was clearly seen in terra image. In the afternoon, the
climate was a little bit cloudy and no fire events were captured by the satellite, as thin
cloud cover was found all over the state in aqua image on October 16, 2015.
Fig 3.4: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 16-Oct-2015.
Overall, a lesser number of fire events were detected on 16th October, 2015, as only 17 fire
events were captured by the satellite in the state and the maximum events were observed in
Patiala district (4) followed by Muktsar (3).A thin cloud cover was found all over the state
in Aqua image which may have hindered fire detection. Fire events were also observed in
the adjoing states of Haryana and neighbouring country Pakistan (East Punjab) along the
border.

13
P U N J A B
P U N J A B
Terra, 17 Oct, 2015
P U N J A B

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17, 2015 a reverse trend was observed in comparison to October 16, 2015 i. e. all the fire
events occurred in afternoon which was clearly seen in aqua image. The thin cloud which
was seen over the state of Punjab in the afternoon of 16 th October 2015 continued in the
morning of 17th October, 2015, as seen in terra image (Fig 3.5). In the afternoon the
weather is clear and maximum fire events were captured in the aqua image.
Fig 3.6: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 17-Oct-2015
A thin cloud cover was found all over the state in Terra image on 17 th October, 2015, but it
was comparatively clear in Aqua image and fire incidents increased sharply from the
previous date, i.e. 16th October, 2015. Overall, 318 fire events were captured by the
satellite in Punjab state (Fig 3.6) and the maximum events were observed in Firozpur
district (35) Muktsar and Taran Tarn (34 each) followed by Jalandhar (29), Kapurthala and
Patiala (26 each), Ludhiana (23), Bathinda (21), Faridkot and Fatehgarh Sahib (20 each),
whereas no fire event was captured in the districts of Barnala, Fazilka and Pathankot. The
frequency of crop residue burning is comparatively more in north-west and south-west
districts of the State. Frequency of fire events were also high in the adjoining states of
Haryana and neighbouring country Pakistan (East Punjab) along the border on October 17,
2015 as compared to fire events captured on previous day.

15
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

16
18, 2015 fire events were captured by both terra and aqua images as compared to
preceding days i. e. either by terra or aqua images, though the number is comparatively
low. The weather is clear in the morning, whereas few patches of cloud can be seen over
the Punjab State in the aqua image in the afternoon.
On 18th October, 2015 aqua and image were found to be slight to moderately cloudy.
Therefore, fire events were either sparse or detection was hindered and only 9 events were
captured by the satellite. The fire incidence from the crop residue burning were also seen
in the adjoining state of Haryana, as observed from the terra image

17
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

18
19, 2015 no fire events were captured by terra image as there was a thick layer of cloud
over the state of Punjab except for southern districts of Punjab and the same conditions
continued in the afternoon as seen in aqua image; however few fire events were captured
in the aqua image.
A total of 8 fire events were captured by aqua image in the state of Punjab on October, 19,
2015 with maximum in the district of Patiala (7), as heavy cloud cover was there over
Punjab. Fire event was practically nil in all the districts probably because of anticipation of
rainfall. However, the fire events can be seen in the aqua images in the adjoining areas of
Punjab State neighbouring Haryana State.

19
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

20
20, 2015 no fire events were captured by terra image as there was a thin layer of cloud
over the state of Punjab; however fire incidence from crop residue were observed in the
aqua image, though there were patches of cloud over the Punjab State.
On 20th October, cloud cover was noticed in patches, primarily in north-western part of
the state. Fire events were sparse. Overall 25 events were captured by the satellite and
maximum number of events was detected in Kapurthala (6), followed by Faridkot (5) and
then Firozpur (4). In majority of the districts no fire event was captured by both terra and
aqua satellite images. The fire events can be seen in the aqua images in the adjoining areas
of Punjab State in the neighbouring state of Haryana and even few events in the
neighbouring country Pakistan along the border of the state.

21
P U N J A B
Terra, 21Oct, 2015 Active Fire point
P U N J A B

22
21, 2015 fire events were captured both in the terra and aqua images especially in the
central, north-east and south-west Punjab, though there was a thin layer of cloud over the
state of north-east and south-east Punjab comprising the shivalik hills in the state.
On 21st October, 2015, thin cloud cover was noticed towards shivalik hills, primarily in
north-eastern and south-eastern parts of the state. Fire events were increased. Overall 94
events were captured by the satellite and maximum number of events was detected in
Faridkot (16), followed by Firojpur (14), Muktsar (9), Bathinda and Jalandhar (8 each),
Ludhiana (7), Kapurthala and Taran Tarn (6 each). In the districts of Barnala, Hoshiarpur,
Nawan shehar, Pathankot and SAS Nagar no fire event was capture by both terra and aqua
satellite images on 21 st October, 2015. The fire events can be seen in the adjoining areas of
Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana and even in the neighbouring country
Pakistan along the border of the state.

23
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

24
22, 2015 though the weather was clear yet no fire events were seen in the terra image over
the state of Punjab. However there was a sharp increase in the incidence of fire events in
the state as can be viewed from the image captured by aqua pass of the satellite especially
in the central, north-east and south-west Punjab.
There was a sharp increase in the incidence of fire events from the crop residue burning on
22nd October, 2015, as the weather was clear in the state. A total of 378 fire events were
captured by the satellite, which is the highest among all the days so far in this season. The
maximum number of events was detected in Firojpur (54), Kapurthala (47) and Muktsar
(44) followed by Jalandhar (38), Ludhiana, Faridkot and Taran Tarn (23 each), Patiala (20)
and Gurdaspur (19). In the districts of Barnala and SAS Nagar no fire event was captured
by both terra and aqua satellite images on 22nd October, 2015 and only one and two events
in the districts of Pathankot and Mansa, respectively. The fire events can be seen in the
adjoining areas of Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana and even in the
neighbouring country Pakistan along the border of the state.

25
P U N J A
B
P U N J A
B

26
23-Oct-2015 are presented in Fig 3.17. Weather was clear in the morning time but a thin
cloud cover was there in the afternoon all over the state. Therefore, fire events were
counted more in inn the forenoon (Terra image) as compared to afternoon (aqua Image).
On 23rd Oct, 2015, a total of 118 fire events were captured by the modis terra and aqua
images. The maximum fire events were counted in Patiala district (18) followed by
Fatehgarh Sahib and Jalandhar (14 each), Muktsar and Sangrur (12 each), Kapurthala (9)
and then Bathinda and Firozpur (6 each). No fire event was captured in the districts of
Pathankot and Tarn Taran. The fire events can also be seen in the adjoining areas of
Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana and even in the neighbouring country

27
P U N J A B
Terra, 24 Oct, 2015
P U N J A B


28
24-Oct-2015 are presented in Fig 3.19. In the morning, the weather was a little bit cloudy
and no fire events were captured by MODIS terra pass but by the afternoon the weather
was relatively clear except for few patches, particularly in the Kandi areas of the state
adjoining the state of Himachal Pradesh. A high intensity of fire events was captured in the
Aqua image in the areas having clear weather.
A total of 604 fire events were captured by the satellite, which is the highest among all the
days so far in this season. Maximum fire event was found in Jalandhar (82), Firozpur (67),
Kapurthala (62), followed by Muktsar (55), Patiala (53) and Sangrur (50) and then
Bathinda (36), Fatehgarh Sahib (35) and Faridkot (31). It was observed that fire events,
which were more prevalent in the south-east and south west parts of the state is now
extending towards central and south-east Punjab. However, no fire event was captured in
Nawan Sehar, Pathankot and Rupnagar districts on this day. The intensity of fire events
was also high in the adjoining areas of Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana and
also in Rajasthan, which can be seen in the aqua image for 24th October, 2015 and even
few counts in the neighbouring country Pakistan along the border of the state.

29
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

30
MODIS Terra and Aqua images acquired for fire events in Punjab captured on 25-Oct-
2015 are presented in Fig 3.21. A dense cloud covered the Northern and Western parts of
the state in the morning which extends to cover the whole state by afternoon and therefore
fire events could be captured only in terra image in the areas having clear sky and no fire
event was captured by the aqua image.
Fire count were nil or negligible in majority of the districts and it was maximum in Patiala
(21), followed by Sangrur (12), Bathinda (4), and Fatehgarh Sahib (3). The fire events can
also be seen in the adjoining areas of Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana,
however no fire event was captured in the neighbouring country Pakistan in both the
images i.e. terra and aqua along the border of the state, as the area is having a dense cloud
cover.

31
P U N J A B
Terra, 26 Oct, 2015
P U N J A B

32
26-Oct-2015 are presented in Fig 3.23. Avery thin cloud cover was noticed all over the
state in Terra image, whereas the cover shifted to southern part of the state in Aqua image.
As a result no active fire event was captured in the terra image, whereas very few scattered
fire events were captured in the aqua image on 26th October, 2015.
Fire count were absent in majority of the districts and only few scattered events were
captured particularly in the south-western parts of the state comprising Firozpur, Faridkot,
Bathinda and Muktsar districts with maximum events in Bathinda (3), followed by
Firozpur (2), Bathinda, Muktsar and Amritsar registered only one event in each. Few
scattered fire events can also be seen in the adjoining areas of Punjab in the neighbouring
state of Haryana and Rajasthan.

33
P U N J A B
Active Fire point

Terra, 27 Oct, 2015
P U N J A B

34
27-Oct-2015 are presented in Fig 3.25. A thin cloud cover was found in scattered patches
over the state. Fire events were counted to be less on 27th October, 2015.
Fire count were absent in majority of the districts and only few concentrated events were
captured particularly in the Firozepur, Kapurthala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts. The
maximum fire events were captured in the aqua image for Kapurthala districts (14)
followed by Firozepur (8) and Fatehgarh Sahib district (3). The districts of Faridkot,
Patiala Sangrur and Taran Tarn captured only one event in each. Few scattered fire events
can also be seen in the adjoining areas of Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana.

35
P U N J A B
P U N J A B


36
2015 are presented in Fig 3.27. A thin cloud covered the whole state leaving a small part in
south western side of the state which is clear in Terra image and few active fire points
were captured in the central and south-east Punjab. The aqua image acquired showed smog
over the state with scattered patches of cloud, particularly in the south-eastern side of the
state. The active fire points acquired in the aqua image is large as compared to that
captured in the terra image.
A thin smog cover with few scattered dense patches was found all over the state in
Terra as well as aqua image on 28th October, 2015. The fire incidents increased sharply
from the previous days, i .e. 26th and 27th October, 2015. Overall, 114 fire events were
captured by the satellite in Punjab state (Fig 3.28) and the maximum events were observed
in Firozpur district (23) followed by Kapurthala and Sangrur (11 each) Muktsar and
Jalandhar (10 each), Bathinda (9), whereas no fire event was captured in Pathankot and
Rupnagar. The frequency of crop residue burning is comparatively more in south-west
central-north districts of the State. Few fire events can also be seen in the neighbouring
country Pakistan (East Punjab) along the border on October 28th, 2015.

37
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

38
29-Oct-2015 are presented in the above figure (Fig 3.29). On October 29, 2015 fire
incidents from crop residue were observed in the terra image, however thin layer of smoke
was observed in Aqua image along with lesser number of fire events.
On October 29, 2015 a total of 356 fire events were captured by the satellite and the
maximum events were observed in Firozpur (57), Jalandhar (42) followed by Muktsar
(32), Kapurthala (31), Ludhiana (28), Patiala and Faridkot (21 each). However, Moderate
numbers of events were observed in district Bathinda (20), Fatehgarh Sahib (19) decreased
towards Nawan Shahar (13), Amritsar (12), Gurdaspur (11), Sangrur, Hoshiarpur (8 each),
Fazilka and Mansa (7 each), whereas no fire event was captured in Pathankot (Fig 3.30).

39
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

40
MODIS images acquired for fire events (red points) in Punjab captured on 30-Oct-2015
are presented in the above figure (Fig 3.31). A thin to moderate cloud cover was noticed
all over the state in both Aqua and terra images. A few number of scattered fire events
were observed on this date particularly in Terra image.
Overall, a lesser number of fire events were detected on 30 th October, 2015. Only 25 fire
events were captured by the satellite in the state and the maximum events were observed in
Patiala district (5) followed by Muktsar and Fazilka (3 each). A thin cloud cover was
found all over the state in Terra image which may have hindered fire detection or it may be
due to higher moisture content of the residue or low temperature that refrained farmers
from crop residue burning.

41
P U N J A B
Terra, 31 Oct, 2015
P U N J A B


42
2015 are presented in Fig 3.33. No fire event was detected in the whole state in the
morning time as seen in Terra Image but in the afternoon burning started and fire density
was found to be extremely high on 31st Oct, 2015 as seen in Aqua Image in afternoon
session. Density was lesser in Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran and Fazilka
District as compared to others.
Residue burning incidents was on peak on 31 st October, 2015, as the weather was clear in
the state. Total 1463 fire events were captured by the satellite, which is the highest among
all the days so far in this season and more than the total of second week 22 to 28-Oct-2015
(1299). The maximum number of events was detected in Sangrur (227), Firozpur (132)
followed by Ludhiana (125), Patiala (124), Moga (112), Bathinda (111), Muktsar (103),
Barnala (97), Mansa (81) and Jalandhar (73). However, in the Pathankot district no fire
event was captured by both terra and aqua satellite images on 31 st October, 2015 and only
two events in the SAS Nagar were indentified. The fire events can be seen in the adjoining
areas of Punjab in the neighbouring state of Haryana and even in the neighbouring country

43
P U N J A B
Terra, 01 Nov, 2015 Active Fire point
P U N J A B
Aqua, 01 Nov, 2015 Active Fire point
Fig 3.35: Active fire points overlaid on MODIS satellite imagery of 01-Nov-2015

44
MODIS Terra and Aqua images acquired for fire events in Punjab captured on 01-Nov-
2015 are presented in Fig 3.35. Small patches of clouds and smoke cover were noticed
over the north western part and the south eastern part of the state respectively in Terra
image. Fire events occurred in the forenoon which was clearly seen in Terra image. In the
afternoon, the climate was little bit cloudy and only two fire events were captured by the
satellite near Jalandhar district of Punjab. A thin cloud cover was found all over the state
in aqua image on November 01, 2015.
Fig 3.36: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 01-Nov-2015
Fire points aquired on 01-Nov-2015 were very less (62) as comapared to previous day i.e.
31-Oct-2015, in the whole state. Maximum number of fire events occurred in Muktsar
(10), Faridkot (9), Patiala (8) followed by Bathinda (7), Sangrur (5), Barnala, Fazilka and
Moga (4 each). In Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Nawan Shahar, Pathankot,
Rupnagar and Tarn Taran no fire point was indentified (Fig 3.36).

45
P U N J A B
P U N J A B


46
2015 are presented in Fig 3.37. A very dense cloud layer was captured in the terra image
and only a single fire event was identified on the state border near Amritsar district.
Though the cloud cover persisted during afternoon, most of the fire events were recorded
in the Aqua image of 2nd November 2015.
Overall 183 fire events occured on 2-Nov-2015. Most of the fire events occured in district
Tarn Taran (32), Firozepur (28) followed by Gurdaspur (21), Sangrur (19) and Ludhiana
(15). However, no fire event was observed in Fazilka, Patiala and Rupnagar districts.

47
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

48
A thin sheet of clouds was noticed in the northern part of the state both in MODIS Terra
and Aqua images and nearby states on November 03, 2015. However, most of the fire
events were identified in the Aqua image in the central Punjab.
Fire events decresed sharply on 3rd November 2015 as comapred to 2nd November 2015
which was almost equal to one third of the previous day (57). Only 8 fire events were
indentifed in Tarn Taran and Firozpur each followed ny Ludhiana (7), Kaputhala (6) and
Patiala (4).

49
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

50
A thick cloud cover was found over the northern districts of Punjab along with thin sheet
of haze covering all the state as seen in MODIS Aqua and Terra images (Fig 3.41) which
may have hindered fire detection on 4 th November 2015. Moreover, only few fire events
were observed in the adjoining states of Haryana and neighbouring country Pakistan (East
Punjab) along the border in Terra Image.
Again the number of fire events recorded on 04-Nov-2015 (35) decresed to almost half of
the total observed on 03-Nov-2015 (57). Maximum number of fire events were present
only in single district Patiala (22) followed by Muktsar (5) contributing to southern
districts of Punjab. No fire events were found in rest of the Punjab state.

51
P U N J A B
P U N J A B

52
2015 are presented in Fig 3.43. A thick cloud cover was found over the state except south
eastern and southern western districts in Terra and Aqua images, respectively. Most of the
fire events occurred in the afternoon as seen in Aqua image clustered in south western side
of the state. Only few fire events were identified in central part of the state as seen in Terra
image.
Fire events increased sharply on November 5, 2015 (144) as compared to previous day i.e.
4 November, 2015 (57). Higher number of fire events was noticed in Muktsar (48) which
was more than the double of fire events in Fazilka (20) followed by Bathinda (18),
Firozpur (16) and Patiala , Tarn Taran (8 each). No fire event was identified in northern
and north-eastern districts of state such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala,
Nawan Shahar, Pathankot, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar.

53
P U N J A B
P U N J A B


54
2015 are presented in Fig 3.45. Weather was found to be clear in southern part of state and
only few fire events were identified in middle part of the state as it is observed in Terra
image. Extensive smog cover was found over entire state as seen in Aqua image. Most of
the fire events occurred in the afternoon clustered in south eastern side of the state.

Note: The actual events occurring in the field are more than the events captured by Satellite (MODIS terra and aqua Pass)
The number of fire events remained almost same on November 6, 2015 (107) as compared
to previous day i.e. 5 November, 2015 (144). There was rise in number of fire events in
Sangrur district (28) as compared to the previous day i.e. 4 events. No fire event was
identified in northern and some districts of north-eastern part of state such as Amritsar,
Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawan Shahar, Pathankot, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar and
Taran Taran.

55


56
2015 are presented in Fig 3.47. A dense smog cover was found over the state except in
northern districts as seen in Aqua image and scattered cloud cover was observed over the
state as observed in Terra image. All the fire events occurred in the afternoon only as seen
in Aqua image clustered in central part of the state and only few events in south western
part of the state.
There is tremendous rise in number of fire events on November 7, 2015 (476) as compared
to previous day i.e. 6 November, 2015 (107). Large number of fire events was noticed in
Firozpur (78), Ludhiana (79), Moga (77) and Sangrur (67) and rest of the districts also
showed significant number of fire events. Only few districts of the state such as
Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar did not have any fire event.

57


58
2015 are presented in Fig 3.49. A very dense smog cover was observed over the entire
state from aqua image. Only very few fire events were observed in the morning in south
western part of the state.
There was very sharp decline in number of fire events on November 8, 2015 (7) as
compared to previous day i.e.7 November, 2015 (476). Only few districts of the state
namely Bathinda, Fazilka, Firozpur and Muktsar showed some fire events. In rest of the
state there no fire event was observed.

59

60
2015 are presented in Fig 3.51. The weather found to be clear in the state except in eastern
and few districts of north eastern and south eastern part of state. Significant number of fire
events occurred in afternoon in south and south eastern part of the state as seen in Aqua
image.

Note: The actual events occurring in the field are more than the events captured by Satellite (MODIS terra and aqua Pass)
There is tremendous rise in number of fire events on November 9, 2015 (552) as compared
to previous day i.e. 8 November, 2015 (7). Large number of fire events were identified in
Ludhiana (106) and Sangrur (110) and rest of the districts also showed significant number
of fire events. Only few districts of the state such as Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot did
not have any fire event.

61


62
2015 are presented in Fig 3.53. A dense cloud cover was captured in Terra image covering
mostly northern and eastern sides of Punjab. Maximum fire events were noticed in the
southern side in the forenoon. In the afternoon, Aqua image showed a thin sheet of haze
covering lower half of Punjab. Fire counts were lesser and mainly concentrated in the
central part of the state.
A sharp decrease in number of fire events on November 10, 2015 (170) was noticed as
compared to the previous day November 09, 2015 (552). Higher number of fire events
occurred in Sothern districts of Punjab as Sangrur (35), Barnala (30) followed by Firozpur
(20), Moga (18) and Fazilka (13). Almost half of the districts of the state such as Amritsar,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Nawan Shahar, Pathankot,
Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Tarn Taran did not have any fire event.

63
Aqua, 11 Nov, 2015 Active Fire

point

64
2015 are presented in Fig 3.55. Fire events were recorded to be lesser in Terra image
whereas in Aqua image a greater number of fire events were recorded in most districts of
Punjab except some northern part of the state.
Overall 911 fire events were observed on November 11, 2015 which is the maximum
number so far in whole of the forth week. It was recorded to be maximum number of fire
events occurred in Ludhiana (116), Moga (114) followed by Sangrur (89), Firozpur (83),
Bathinda (73), Barnala (70) and Muktsar (68). However no fire events were observed in
Pathankot and SAS Nagar.

65


66
2015 are presented in Fig 3.57. Although, the weather was clear in the forenoon, only few
fire events were captured in the Terra image. However, a dense cover of cloud was noticed
in Aqua image along with higher number of fire events observed in lower half of the
Punjab.

Fire events declined to 260 on November 12, 2015 which is less then half of the events
occurred on the previous day, i.e. November 11, 2015. A maximum number of fire events
was recorded in Bathinda (47), Sangrur (36), Patiala (34) followed by Muktsar (30),
Fazilka (24) and Mansa (22). No fire events were observed in Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur,
Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawa Shahar, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and
Tarn Taran.

67


68
2015 are presented in Fig 3.59. In the forenoon, Terra image showed a thin sheet of haze
covering whole of Punjab. Most of the fire events were recorded in the Aqua image in the
lower half of the Punjab.

Little reduction in fire events was observed on November 13, 2015 (242) as compared to
the previous day, i.e. November 12, 2015 (259). Higher number of fire events was
recorded in Ludhiana (42), Moga (38), Bathinda (28) followed by Barnala (24), Sangrur
(22) and Patiala (19). No fire events were observed in Amritsar, Pathankot, Rupnagar and
SAS Nagar.

69


70
2015 are presented in Fig 3.61. Weather was found to be clear in the Terra image but only
two fire events were recorded in central and south western side of the state. However, the
density of fire events were seems to be higher in the aqua image.

Overall 586, fire events occurred on November 14, 2015 which is more than the double of
fire events noticed on November 13, 2015. A larger number of fire events was recorded in
Moga (76), Ludhiana (73) followed by Firozpur (64), Fazilka (62), Baithinda (61),
Muktsar (55), Faridkot (38) and Barnala (37). However, no fire events were recorded in
Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar.

71

72
Fig 3.63 presents MODIS Terra and Aqua images acquired for fire events in Punjab
captured on 15-Nov-2015. A thick cloud cover was observed on the north and south
western side of the Punjab respectively. In the Aqua image most of the state was covered
by thick and thin cloud sheet on western and eastern side respectively. Fire events were
recorded to be less in both the images as compared to previous day i.e. 14-Nov-2015.
Fig 3.64: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 15-Nov-2015.

A total of 61 fire events were observed on November 15, 2015 which is very less in
number as compared last 10 days. Maximum number of fire events recorded was 14 in
Ludhiana, 10 in Moga followed by 8 in Mansa and 7 in Firozpur and Patiala each. Fire
event occurrence was counted to be less than 5 in rest of the districts. No fire events were
observed in Faridkot, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Jalnadhar, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Rupnagar and
SAS Nagar.

73

74
2015 are presented in Fig 3.65. Weather was found to be clear in the Terra image but no
fire events were recorded state. However, the density of fire events were seems to be
higher in the aqua image.

Overall 557, fire events occurred on November 16, 2015 which is far higher than previous
day i.e. November 15, 2015 (61). A greater number of fire events was recorded in
Ludhiana (89), Bathinda (62) followed by Fazilka (52), Muktsar (49), Tarn Taran and
Moga (46 each). However, no fire events were recorded in Faridkot, Fazilka and Muktsar.

75

76
2015 are presented in Fig 3.67. Weather was found to be clear in the Terra image while a
thin layer of haze was captured in aqua image.

A total of 56 fire events were captured on 17th November, 2015 maximum in the district of
Fazilka (8), Tarn Taran and Ludhiana(7 each) followed by Sangrur and Faridkot (6 each).
No fire events were detected in Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, SAS
Nagar, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib.

77


78
18-Nov-2015 are presented in the above figure (Fig 3.69). In the forenoon, a thin cloud
cover which was found all over the state in aqua image and few fire events were captured
while in the afternoon both the cloud and fire events were noticed in the aqua image.

As compared to previous day 17th November 2015 (56), fire events captured on 18 th
November, 2015 increased to 182. Maximum fire events occurred in Tarn Taran (26),
Ludhiana (24), Bathinda (22) followed by Moga and Muktsar (17 each).

79
District-wise Total Fire Events for the Period 15 October to 15 November 2015:
Fig 3.71 : District-wise fire events captured in Punjab from 15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-2015.
On overall comparison of fire occurrences in all districts during the period from 15 th
October to 15th November, 2015, the maximum number of fire events were found in
Sangrur (791) followed by Firozpur (762), Ludhiana (729), Patiala (610), Muktsar (604)
and Bathinda (600). Pathankot (1), SAS Nagar (17), Rupnagar (43) and Hoshiarpur (62)
being kandi area districts comprised minimum number of fire events during this period.
Amritsar is also a major rice growing district but it has less number of fire events as
compared to other districts. This may be attributed to the cultivation of basmati rice in
Amritsar wherein it is harvested through hand-cutting method.

80
Note: As these points are captured by MODIS/Terra (10:30 am) and Aqua (1.30 pm) during their
time of pass, the number of fire events may be more than those shown in the map.
Map 3.1: Active fire locations detected by MODIS in Punjab from 15-Oct-2015 to 15-
Nov-2015.
Overall 7634 fire events were captured by MODIS in Punjab for the period from 15 th
October to 15th November 2015. Above figure shows maximum frequency of fire events in
the central, western and southern districts of the state. However, Northern and eastern
districts of the Punjab show very less contribution in the occurrence of fire events most of
these districts of eastern side adjoins the kandi area.

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Week-wise Fire Events for the Period 15 October to 18 November 2015:
Fig 3.72: Five weeks comparison of fire events captured in Punjab from 15-Oct-2015 to
18-Nov-2015.
Farmers started burning rice residue even before 15th October but it picks up pace after 15th
October and the peak period was observed from 29th October to 11th November, 2015.
However maximum frequency was observed during the week from 5 th November, 2015 to
11th November, 2015. Fig 3.72 shows two distinct values in 5th week indicating a total of
1149 active fire events captured from 12th November to 15th November, 2015 and
additional 795 fire events captured from 16th November to 18th November, 2015 which
completes the whole week.

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Fire Count (%) in different Regions of Punjab
Fig 3.73: Pie chart depicting percentage of fire counts in different regions of Punjab.
Residue burning at Majha region contributes least to the total fire burning in Punjab. This
may be because it partly constitutes of hilly region (Pathankot) where less paddy is
cultivated, also Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Tarn Taran are traditional Basmati growing
regions. Mostly harvesting is done till late November and mostly manual through sickle
which leaves less residue in the fields and hence resulting less burning. Doaba region also
contributed less to total residue burning in Punjab as the region has mixed type of cropping
system. Malwa region being the largest region of the state dominated by rice cultivation
contributes maximum to the residue burning. Further in the Malwa region cotton growing
districts (Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa) contributes less as compared to other
districts.

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Map 3.2: Fire event density map of Punjab for the period from 15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-
2015.
Overall, maximum intensity of fire events was observed in the Firozpur district followed
by Barnala and Moga Districts. The minimum intensity of fire events was observed in the
districts of Pathankot, SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar and Amritsar districts (Map 3.2).

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3.2. Estimation of area under residue burning 2015
Map 3.3: Classified burnt area in Punjab from satellite data during the period of 15-Oct to
15-Nov-2015.
Based on the image data collected from satellite, classified map was generated as shown in
Map 3.3. Area under red color depicts the total rice residue burnt area for the period from
15 October to 15 November 2015. It was estimated to be 1792.51 thousand ha which
comes out to be 65.84 percent to the total area under rice (2722.40 thousand ha). The total

85
area under rice (2015-16) was estimated to be 2722.40 thousand ha where as the total burnt
was estimated to be 1792.51 thousand ha which comes out to be 65.84 percent to the total
area under rice (Map 3.3 and Table 3.1).
Table 3.1: Districtwise area under residue burning 2014 & 2015
Burnt Area Burnt Area Change in Burnt % Change in Burnt
District 2014 2015 Area from 2014 to Area with respect to
(000 ha) (000 ha) 2015 (000 ha) 2014
AMRITSAR 100.95 78.92 -22.03 -21.82
BARNALA 98.92 89.82 -9.10 -9.20
BATHINDA 98.31 77.49 -20.82 -21.17
FARIDKOT 87.09 75.35 -11.74 -13.48
FATEHGARH SAHIB 58.01 57.26 -0.75 -1.29
FAZILKA 74.21 58.11 -16.10 -21.70
FIROZPUR 165.74 144.99 -20.75 -12.52
GURDASPUR 78.59 61.26 -17.33 -22.05
HOSHIARPUR 46.13 22.23 -23.90 -51.81
JALANDHAR 82.01 67.16 -14.85 -18.11
KAPURTHALA 81.27 78.69 -2.58 -3.17
LUDHIANA 180.52 170.18 -10.34 -5.73
MANSA 59.79 41.88 -17.91 -29.96
MOGA 155.83 141.21 -14.62 -9.38
MUKTSAR 105.6 85.18 -20.42 -19.34
PATHANKOT 12.62 9.99 -2.63 -20.82
PATIALA 165.29 138.55 -26.74 -16.18
RUPNAGAR 14.87 13.59 -1.28 -8.58
SANGRUR 227.21 202.83 -24.38 -10.73
SAS NAGAR 23.12 14.45 -8.67 -37.52
SBS NAGAR 32.08 28.75 -3.33 -10.38
TARN TARAN 147.79 134.61 -13.18 -8.92
STATE 2095.95 1792.51 -303.44 -14.48
Table 3.1 shows the area under residue burning from 15th October to 15th November for
the 2014 and 2015. Maximum change in percentage of area under residue burning of the
year 2015 with respect to 2014 was observed in Hoshiarpur (51.81%) followed by SAS
Nagar (37.52%), Mansa (29.96%), Gurdaspur (22.05%) and the districts accoounted for
approximately 21% were Amritsar, Fazilka and Bathinda. On the flip side, minimum
change in percentage of area under residue burning was noticed in Fategarh Sahib (1.29%)
followed by Kapurthala (3.17) and Ludhiana (5.73%). On the whole, 14.48 % decrese in
area under residue burning was observed in the year 2015 as compared to the year 2014.

86
The following figures (Map 3.4 to Map 3.13) represents the identification of burnt patches
using remote sensing images. These were generally the dark greenish or black patches
when image is displayed in standard False Color Composite (FCC) mode. The
classification results were validated using ground truth points (Map 3.14).
Map 3.4: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 AWiFS data, 18 October 2015.
Map 3.5: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 AWiFS data, 22 October 2015 .

87
Map 3.6: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 AWiFS data, 27 October 2015 .
Map 3.7: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 AWiFS data, 1 November 2015 .

88
Map 3.8: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 AWiFS data, 6 November 2015 .
Map 3.9: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 LISS-III data, 18 October 2015,
Path/Row-095/049 and 095/050.

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Map 3.10: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 LISS-III data, 27 October 2015,
Path/Row-092/049.
Map 3.11: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 LISS-III data, 1 November 2015,
Path/Row-095/049 and 095/050.
Map 3.12: Identified burnt area in Punjab using IRS R2 LISS-III data, 20 November 2015,
Path/Row-092/049.

90
Map 3.13: Location of active fire and burnt area patches as seen on 6 th November 2015
through LISSS-IV

91
Map 3.14: Classified burnt area in Punjab from satellite data during the period of 15-Oct to
15-Nov-2015 with overlaid ground truth points.
In season ground truth was collected using the handheld GPS along with the field
photographs, during the month of October and November, 2015. This ground truth
information was used for the identification of the rice residue burnt areas, associated crops
and land features during digital classification of satellite data (Map 3.14).

92
a)
b)

93
c)
d)

94
e)
f)

95
g)
h)
Map 3.15: Validation of classified burnt area through ground truth points in (a) Fatehgarh
Sahib, (b) Sangrur, (c) Moga, (d) Patiala, (e) Kapurthala, (f) Firozpur, (g) Bathinda and (h)
Ludhiana.

96
3.3. Date-wise fire events in districts of Punjab
Fig 3.74: Number of fire events in Pathankot 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Fire events in Pathankot were not much significant as only single event occurred during
the period from 15th October to 15th November, 2015.
Fig 3.75: Number of fire events in Gurdaspur 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that took place in Gurdaspur was on 31st October with a
fire count of 33, subsequently on 22nd October, 24th October and 2nd November with fire
count of 19, 26 and 21 respectively. Residue burning started off in first week of October
month due to harvest of normal rice and during first week of November burning was due
to harvest of basmati rice.
Fig 3.76: Number of fire events in Amritsar 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

97
In Amritsar, maximum number of fire events occurred on 31st October, then on 29st
October and 2nd November.
Fig 3.77: Number of fire events in Tarn Taran 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

The above graph shows consistency in number of fire occurrences over a period of 32 days
from 15th October to 15th November, 2015. Maximum number of fire events occurred on
11th November, then on 31st October, 17th October and 2nd November.
Fig 3.78: Number of fire events in Hoshiarpur 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

In Hoshiarpur, major fire events occurred in last week of October after harvest of normal
rice. Maximum number of fire events occurred on 31st October (13) and then on 24th
October (11).
Fig 3.79: Number of fire events in Jalandhar 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

98
During the period from 15th October to 15th November, 2015, maximum number of fire
events that took place in Jalandhar was on 24th October followed by 31st October and 29rd
October. Residue burning eventually decreased during the first and third week of
November.
Fig 3.80: Number of fire events in Kapurthala 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

In Kapurthala, maximum number of fire events that took place was on 24th October
followed by 22nd October and 31st October during the period from 15th October to 15th
November, 2015. Residue burning was higher during third week of October and eventually
decreased during the second week of November.
Fig 3.81: Number of fire events in SBS Nagar 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in SBS Nagar was on 31st October followed
by 11th November and 29th October.
Fig 3.82: Number of fire events in Rupnagar 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

99
Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Rupnagar was on 31st October followed
by 9th November.
Fig 3.83: Number of fire events in SAS Nagar 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

During the period from 15th October to 15th November, 2015, there were no fire events that
occurred in SAS Nagar for most of the days. Fewer fire events that took was on 24th, 17th,
23rd and 31st October; 1st, 2nd and 9th November.
Fig 3.84: Number of fire events in Patiala 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Patiala was on 31st October followed by
9th November and 24th October.
Fig 3.85: Number of fire events in Fatehgarh Sahib 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

In Fatehgarh Sahib, maximum number of fire events that took place during the period from
15th October to 15th November, 2015, was on 24th October followed by 31st October.

100
Fig 3.86: Number of fire events in Ludhiana 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Large number of fire events occurred in Ludhiana during second week of November and
subsequently on second week of November. Maximum number of fire events that occurred
in Ludhiana was on 31st October followed by 11th November and 9h November.
Fig 3.87: Number of fire events in Sangrur 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Significantly high number of fire events occurred in Sangrur during second week of
November. Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Sangrur was on 31st October
followed by 9th November and 11th November.
Fig 3.88: Number of fire events in Barnala 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Barnala during 15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-
2015, was on 31st October followed by 11th November and 9th November. Major fire
events

101
took place during second week of November due to late harvest.
Fig 3.89: Number of fire events in Moga 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Moga was on 11th November followed by
31st October and 7th November. Significant number of fire events was seen during second
week of November.
Fig 3.90: Number of fire events in Faridkot 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Faridkot was on 31st October and 11th
November followed by 14th November, 24th October and 07th November. Consistent
number of fire events was seen during 15-Oct-2015 to 15-Nov-2015.
Fig 3.91: Number of fire events in Firozpur 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Firozpur was on 31st October followed by
11th November and 7th November. The above graph shows consistency in number of fire

102
occurrences over a period of 32 days from 15th October to 15th November, 2015.
Fig 3.92: Number of fire events in Fazilka 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Fazilka was on 14th November followed
by 11th November, 30th October and 5th November. Major fire events occurred during
second week of November.
Fig 3.93: Number of fire events in Muktsar 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Muktsar was on 31st October followed by
11th November and 24th October.
Fig 3.94: Number of fire events in Bathinda15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Bathinda was on 31st October followed
by 11th November and 14th November. The above graph shows consistency in number of
fire occurrences over first and second week of November.

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Fig 3.95: Number of fire events in Mansa 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Maximum number of fire events that occurred in Mansa was on 31st October followed by
11th November. Majorly, number of fire events was occurred during second week of
November.
Fig 3.96: Number of fire events in Punjab 15-Oct to 15 Nov-2015

Overall in Punjab, maximum number of fire events occurred on 31st October with a total
fire count of 1463 followed by 911 fire count on 11th November, 604 fire count on 24th
October and 586 on 14th November, 2015. Out of total fire events occurred during the
period from 15th October to 15th November, 2015, major concentration was in second week
of November followed by last week of October and first week of November. Very few or
negligible number of fire events occurred on 18th, 19th, 26th October and 8th November.

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3.4. Impact of biomass power plants over residue burning

Punjab Energy Development agency (PEDA) has commissioned 7 operational biomass
power plants till now which are located at Patiala, Mansa, Muktsar, Fazilka, Jalandhar and
Hoshiarpur. Spatial analysis was performed to get an overview of the impact that these
power plants have over residue burning. The MODIS active fire points along with
locations of biomass power plants were overlaid on classified area under rice (2015-16). It
was observed that fire events occurred in areas where rice is grown. Secondly, no
significant impact of biomass power plants was visible through satellite image.
Map 3.16: Impacts of Biomass Power Plants over residue burning

Map 3.16 shows the area under rice in green, active fire location as red points and blue
points represents biomass power plants which are total seven in number in districts
Fazilka, Mukatsar (2), Mansa, Patiala, Hoshiarpur and Jalanadhar.

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Map 3.17: Impacts of Biomass Power Plants over residue burning- Muktsar and Fazilka
Above map shows biomass power plants in Muktsar and Fazilka at villages Gulabe Wala,
Channu and Gaddan Dob. Existence of biomass power plants at these villages does not
show any considerable impact over rice residue burning. Elliptically marked area around
blue points shows the least impact of Gaddan dob and Channu village biomass power
plants while no such effect was noticed near Gulabe wala village biomass power plant.
Map 3.18: Impacts of Biomass Power Plants over residue burning- Mnasa
A very little or negligible impact over residue burning was observed near the Khokhar
khurd village biomass power plant in Mansa district (Map 3.18).

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Map 3.19: Impacts of Biomass Power Plants over residue burning- Patiala
Biomass power plant at Ganaur village in Patiala district was surrounded by active fire
events while on its southern side fire events were found to be less which may be due to
impact of this biomass power plant.
Map 3.20: Impacts of Biomass Power Plants over residue burning- Hoshiarpur and
Jalandhar
Map 3.20 shows the existence of two biomass power plants at Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur
namely Bir pind and Binjon village biomass power plants respectively. The respective
villages were surrounded by active fire locations but a very little impact was noticed and
marked by ellipse near to these villages which may be due to their existence.

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Chapter 4
Comparison of active fire events between 2014 and 2015
4.1. District-wise Daily Fire Events Comparison between 2014 and 2015 for the
period from 15 October to 15 November
A comparative analysis was done to study the difference in number of fire events observed
in the year 2014 and 2015 for the period from 15th October to 15th November and has been
shown in following figures:
Fig 4.1: District-wise comparison of fire events captured in Punjab on 15-Oct-2014 & 15
Greater difference was observed in the total number of active fire events that occurred on
15 October which is 9 and 166 on 15th October 2014 and 2015 respectively. Maximum
number of fire events that occurred on 15th October 2015 was in Firozpur (26) followed by
Muktsar and Tarn Taran (18 each), whereas, on 15 th October 2014 fire events were found
to be negligible in these districts.

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A reverse trend was observed on 16th October as compared to 15th October where fire
counts were found to be 138 and 17 in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Maximum fire events
observed on 16th October 2014 was 25 in Faridkot whereas at the peak only 4 fire events
were noticed in Patiala on 16th October 2015. In both the years no fire counts were
observed in Pathankot, Sangrur and Barnala.
Total fire events noticed on 17th October 2014 (29) were found to be very less as compared
to fire events noticed on 17th October 2015 (317). Maximum fire events i.e. 34 was
observed in each of three districts i.e. Tarn Taran, Firozpur and Muktsar on 17 th October
2015; however in 2014 the count for same districts was negligible.

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A reverse trend was observed on 18th October as compared to 17th October where fire
counts were found to be 143 and 9 in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Firozepur was observed
with 28 fire events on 18th October 2014 while single fire event was observed on 18 th
October 2015.
A greater margine was observed on 19th October 2014 and 2015 with 315 and 8 fire counts
respectively. Maximum fire event was noticed in Firozpur (58) on 19 th October 2014
whereas on 19th October 2015 there was no fire event.
A higher number of fire events were recorded on 20th October 2014 (117) while on 20th
October 2015 total number of fire count was only 25. On 20th October 2014 Kapurthala

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(18) got the maximum number of fire events whereas on 20th October 2015 only 6 fire
events were recorded.
Very high difference was observed in number of fire event occurrence on 21st October
2014 and 2015 viz. 516 and 96 respectively. However, least or legible fire events were
observed in districts adjoining kandi area on 21st October 2014 and 2015.
Fire event noticed on 22nd October 2014 (94) was found to be increased on 22nd October
2015 (127) which is not of much difference as compared to previous day comparisons of
2014 and 2015. However, Firozpur (54) accounted for maximum fire events on 22nd

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October 2015 while on 22 nd October 2014 Bathinda was observed with maximum of 18
fire events.
Intensity of fire events was very high on 23rd October 2014 (409), whereas on 23rd October
2014 it was found to be 118 overall. Maximum fire events were noticed in Firozpur (51)
on 23rd October 2014 while on 23rd October 2015 maximum noticed fire events were in
Patiala (18).

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Very high difference was observed in number of fire event occurrence on 24th October
2014 and 2015 viz. 96 and 604 respectively. Maximum fire events were noticed in
Jalandhar (82) on 24th October 2015 while it was only 10 on Patiala.
A greater difference was observed in both the years on 25 th October where overall, 197
and 46 fire events were reported in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
On 26th October 2014 (256) higher number of fire events were observed while on 26 th
October 2015 (8) overall fire events observed in whole of the state were negligibly small.

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Maximum of 16 fire events were noticed in Bathinda on 27 th October 2014 while on 27th
October 2015 the count in Bathinda was zero. Similarly, on 27th October 2015 fire counts
in Kapurthala were 14 whereas in previous year on same day it was zero. A total of 40 and
31 fire events were observed on 27th October 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Overall, 478 fire events were observed 28th October 2014 while much lesser number of fire
events i.e. overall, 114 fire events in whole of the state was observed in year 2015 on same
day.

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Occurrence of fire events was negligible on 29th October 2014 (5) while it was
comparatively higher on 29th October 2015 (356) in whole of the Punjab.
Extremely higher difference was observed on occurrence of fire events on the same day of
both the years 2014 and 2015. It was a total of 1223 fire counts which were noticed on 30 th
October 2014 whereas; only 25 were noticed on 30th October 2015.

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A reverse trend was observed on 31 st October as compared to 29th October where fire
counts were found to be 199 and 1463 on 31st October in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Sangrur was observed with 227 fire events on 31 st October 2015 while only 22 fire events
were observed on 31st October 2014 in Sangrur.
Fig 4.18: District-wise comparison of fire events captured in Punjab on 01-Nov-2014 & 15
Again a reverse of trend occurred in the comparison between 1 st November and 31 st
October. Overall, 1070 fire events were observed on 1st November 2014 while only a total
of 62 fire events occurred in 2015 on the same day in whole of the state.

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Higher number of fire events i.e. 680 was observed on 2 nd November 2014 while only a
total of 183 fire counts were noticed on 2nd November 2015.
Comparatively a higher number of fire events were noticed on 3 rd November 2014 (342)
than on 3rd November 2015 (57).

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A trend was followed to be same in the first week of November were each day in the year
2014 number of fire events were higher as compared to the days of the year 2015.
Likewise total of 990 fire events were noticed on 4th November 2014, while, only a total of
35 fire events were noticed on 4th November 2015.
Total of 425 fire events were noticed on 5th November 2014, while, only a total of 144 fire
events were noticed on 5th November 2015.

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Extremely higher difference was observed on occurrence of fire events on the same day of
both the years 2014 and 2015. It was a total of 1852 fire counts which were noticed on 6th
November 2014 whereas; only 107 were noticed on 6th November 2015.
No fire event was noticed on 7th November 2014 while a total of 476 fire events were
observed on 7th November 2015 with maximum number fire events observed in Ludhiana
(79) followed by Firozpur (78) and Moga (77).

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Overall, 135 fire events were observed on 8th November 2014 while only 7 fire events
were noticed on 8th November 2015 in whole of the Punjab.
Considerable but comparatively less number of fire events was observed on 9th November
2014 (249) than on 9th November 2015 (552).

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Total of 412 fire events were noticed on 10 th November 2014, while, only a total of 170
fire events were noticed on 10th November 2015.
Higher but comparatively less number of fire events was observed on 11 th November 2014
(661) than on 9th November 2015 (911).

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Overall, 166 fire events were observed on 12th November 2014 while higher (260) fire
events were noticed on 12th November 2015 in whole of the Punjab.
Comparatively a higher number of fire events were noticed on 13 th November 2014 (651)
than on 13th November 2015 (242).

122
Fig 4.31: District-wise comparison of fire events captured in Punjab on 14-Nov-2014 &
15
Fire count increased to more than five times on 14th November 2015 (100) as compared
to 14th November 2014 (586).
Fire counts reduced to 61 in total on 15th October 2015 as compared to a total of 338 fire
counts that were noticed on 15th November 2014.

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15 Oct to 15 Nov 2014 & 15
Fig 4.33: District-wise comparison of fire events captured in Punjab from 15-Oct to 15-
Nov 2014 & 2015
Overall a 38 percent fall in active fire events was observed in 2015 (7634) as compared to
2014 (12368) for the period from 15th October to 15th November. In both the years
maximum number of fire events were observed in Sangrur (1413 in 2014 and 791 in 2015)
while Ludhiana become the district with second highest in count of fire events in 2015 as
compared to 2014 whwere second highest fire count was found in Firozpur. Moga being
replaced from third rank in 2014 with patiala in 2015.
Fig 4.34: Weekly comparison of fire events captured in Punjab from 15-Oct to 18-Nov
2014 & 2015
All the weeks from 15 th October to 15th November in the year 2014 was observed with
higher number of fire counts except the last week i.e. from 12th November to 18th

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November were the trend was same till 15th of November with reduced number of fire
events in 2015 as compared to 2014 which was reversed from 16 th November till 18th
November 2015.
Fig 4.35: Overall comparison of fire events captured in Punjab from 15-Oct to 15-Nov
2014 & 2015
Overall, 12368 active fire events were observed in 2014 while in 2015 only 7634 fire
events were captured by MODIS satellite images which was near to the half of those
observed in 2014 for the period from 15 October to 15 November.

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Chapter 5
Discussion
5.1. Paddy Stubble Burning: Why Farmers do it?
Highly mechanized farming practice leaves a huge amount of biomass in the field after
harvest hindering land preparation for next crop wherein farmers want to sow the new crop
in clean fields. According to Punjab Govt rule (Punjab Preservation of Sub-Soil Water
Act' in 2009 ) farmers are not allowed to transplant paddy before June 10 and now
extended further June 15 that ultimately extends the rice harvesting up to mid October.
Due to the small window between harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat, they find
stubble burning as fastest and easiest process to get rid of the crop residue as well as
improve tillage efficiency reduce the need of herbicides and pesticides to control for
diseases, weeds and pests. Farmers do not wait for natural drying up of moisture in the soil
after paddy crop is harvested so burning stubble in the fields serves another purpose of
reducing moisture content along with removing crop residue. Poor storage facility for the
straw, lack of demand in market and adequate means to manage paddy straw and also the
belief of the farmer that ash would work as a fertilizer encourages them to prefer the
traditional practice over experimental new methods.
5.2. Implications of stubble burning
Biomass burning is a common source of atmospheric pollution and poor air quality that
has adverse impact at local, regional and global scales with direct short- and long-term
climate implications and serious risk to human health (Andreae and merlet, 2001; Alora et
al., 2007; Nastos et al., 2010). Depending upon the nature of burning, aerosols exhibit
different optical properties in how they absorb, reflect, and scatter solar radiation (Reid et
al., 1999; Eck et al., 2003). As a result, they induce an increase or reduction of cloud cover
and albedo, depending on the vertical distribution of the aerosols within or above the
clouds (Feingold et al., 2005) and reduce rainfall (Rosenfeld, 2000).
Persistent smoggy weather has increased their vulnerability to asthma attacks and other
respiratory illness. Doctors said asthma cases have gone up by 20 per cent. Burning of
paddy stubble not only reduces visibility but also leads to breathing problems. Cases of
viral infection, cough, sneezing, respiratory tract infection and Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have increased. The numbers of cases of respiratory illness

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have gone up by 20 per cent said Dr JC Suri, Professor and Head of Pulmonary Medicine
at Safdarjung hospital. The average levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10, which can penetrate deep
into the lungs, were 157 and 264 microgram per cubic metre respectively, much more than
the safe limits in delhi on 3rd November 2015. (3rd November 2015, Mail online India)
In a recent study by Burney and Ramanathan (2014) where they have analyzed 30 years of
data and developed a statistical model suggesting that yields in 2010 were up to 36% lower
for wheat than they otherwise would have been in the absence of climate and pollutant
emissions trends, with some densely populated states experiencing 50% relative yield
losses.
The dense smoke caused by paddy stubble burning causes reduction in photosynthetic
activities which may subsequently impact wheat yield. This practice leads to elimination
of a farmer-friendly beetle (Zygogramma Bicolorata). Burning of paddy stubbles also
causes loss of organic matter and other nutrients along with soil microbial population. The
burning of one tonne of rice straw accounts for loss of 5.5 kg of nitrogen, 2.3 kg of
phosphorus, 25 kg of potassium and 1.2 kg of sulphur. The heat generated elevates the soil
temperature, killing fungi, pests, reptiles and the like that are otherwise beneficial for the
crops. (The Times of India, May, 10, 2015). Apart from the environmental pollution
stubble burning also causes severe health problems like asthma, cough, bronchitis, skin
ailments and conjunctivitis. It also depletes red blood cell (RBC) counts and adversely
affects the oxygen-carrying capacity in the body. It also becomes a cause of road accidents
Increase Fertilizer
due to haze that reduces visibility. Climate Change
Manufacture
CO2 Loading
Increase Fertilizer
due to fossil
Application
fuel oil burning
Crop Greenhouse gasses (GHG)

Decreased Soil
Residue C-lost loading in the atmosphere
Fertility Productivity
Burning
Decreased Soil
Nitrous oxides
Organic Matter
emission
Microbial biomass
Fig 4.36: Interactive (additive) effects of Crop Residue burning in relation to Greenhouse
gases (GHG) loading in the atmosphere (Source: Teodoro & Roger 1999).
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The interactive effects of crop residue burning, its direct effect on C-lost and its indirect
but additive effects on Green House Gases emission in the atmosphere is shown in fig
4.35.
Smoke rise from burning stubble at the Indo-Pak border Active Residue Burning : Prone to Road Accident which
near Amritsar. (Tribune file Photograph, 18-Nov-2015) leads to disaster . Dist: Sangrur Vill: Rangian
Dence smoke due to paddy stubble burning lowering Dence smoke due to paddy stubble burning lowering
visibility in village Chunni Khurd of Fatehgarh Sahib visibility in Machiwara of Ludhiana District (Ground
District (Ground Truth, 30-10-2015, 12:39 PM; Latitude Truth, 09-11-2015, 04:35 PM; Latitude 30ᵒ51'41.50'';
30ᵒ39'47.0''; Longitude 76ᵒ33'54.7'') Longitude 76ᵒ01'42.50'')
Pollution from the farm fires as well as other regular sources appears
to have combined with weather conditions to cause the rapid fall in
air quality over Delhi (The Times of India, Nov, 02, 2015).
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5.3. Technologies available to handle paddy stubble
There are mechanized alternative to prevent burning of straw which are available on
subsidy. These machines include balers, happy seeders, reversible plough and straw
chopper. Baler makes bales of paddy straw which can be supplied to biomass-based power
plants and paper mills. Happy seeder allows farmers to sow seed without tilling the field
after harvest of paddy. The reversible plough is also used to push crop residue 12 inches
into the soil and paddy straw chopper finely cuts the stubble, which can be easily mixed
with soil by using disc harrow wheel. Rotavator completely uproots stubbles of crop and
chop them into small pieces and mixing them back into the soil which helps to build up the
humus content of the soil which can be operated either in wet or dry condition of soil for
preparing seed bed.
Adding Paddy Residue in to the Soil Using Rotavator Use of Baler to make bales for easy transportation & Storage
Village: Bhattian District: Jalandhar Village: Dhingi District: Patiala
Dated: 10-11-2015 Time: 4:18 PM Dated: 30-11-2015 Time: 12:47 PM
Latitude 31ᵒ04'12.21'' Longitude 75ᵒ47'26.39'' Latitude 30ᵒ23'57.0'' Longitude 76ᵒ06'30.0''
Rice Field: Residue Chopping Adding Rice Residue in to the Soil Using Rotavator
Village: Sarwarpur District: Ludhiana Village: Nizampur District: Ludhiana
Dated: 20-10-2015 Time: 4:35 PM Dated: 09-11-2015 Time: 10:50 AM
Despite of availability of these technologies farmer face challenges in implementation of

straw managements as these are not affordable. Non-availability of technological support
makes these technologies unpopular among farmers. Also there is not much demand in the

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market for paddy stubbles which discourages them to sell it for further uses. There is a
need to enhance the facilities by adding in number of balers, rotavators and chopping
machines which may be made available to famers in least cost on lease or rent.
Residue Chopping: Used for the animal, mixed with green Direct Seeding in Standing Crop Residue
fodder Village: Kot Ranjha District: Nawan Shahar Village: Kotla Bhari District: Ludhiana
Dated: 09-11-2015 Time: 12:10 PM Dated: 20-10-2015 Time: 04:00 PM
5.4. Alternative uses of straw
Keeping in view the increasing problems due to paddy stubble burning several initiatives
for its proper management have been taken up. Various departments are focusing on
promotion of alternate uses of straw instead of burning. One of the prominent uses of
paddy straw can be fodder for animals. This practice is not very popular among farmers
due to high silica content in paddy straw. However, a pilot study on natural fermentation
of paddy straw for use as protein enriched livestock feed were conducted by Punjab State
Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) at PAU.
Crop Residue: Stored Residue used as animal’s fodder Crop Residue: Collecting and transport to further use for
Dist: Ludhiana Vill: Malak animals Dist: Taran Tarn Vill: Kirtowala
Date: 21-10-2015Time: 05:54PM Date: 01-11-2015Time: 12:02PM
Lat: 31⁰48'41.3"Long: 74⁰44'11.3" Lat: 31⁰12'37.6" Long: 74⁰53'07.3"
The cattle fed with this feed showed improvement in health and milk production. The
Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab has propagated this technology in the state.
Secondly, paddy straw can be used as bedding material for cattle during winter. This helps
improving the quality and quantity of milk as it contributes to animals’ comfort and health.

130
It keeps them warm and maintains reasonable rates of heat loss from the body. The paddy
straw used for bedding can subsequently be used in biogas plants.
Crop Residue: Alternative use to built house for animals Crop Residue: Alternative use to built house and bedding for
Dist: Taran Tarn Vill: Bath animals Dist: Taran Tarn Vill: Mian Wind
Date: 01-11-2015Time: 03:08PM Date: 01-11-2015 Time: 04:11PM
Lat: 31⁰27'37.6"Long: 75⁰00'25.8" Lat: 31⁰28'58.7" Long: 75⁰09'03.4"
Another use of paddy straw can be in mushroom cultivation. As agricultural biomass is
becoming a viable source of power, rice straw can be potentially used in bio thermal power
plants. Direct burning of crop residue is inefficient and leads to pollution. If the same
residue is combusted in a gasifier at low oxygen and higher temperature, it can be
converted into gaseous fuel known as producer gas. Though producer gas has lower
calorific value as compared to natural gas or LPG, but it can be burnt efficiently without
emitting smoke. The crop residue has advantages over other conventional resources as it is
renewable, readily available and can be burnt in boiler with an efficiency of 99%. The
calorific value of coal is 4200 Kcal/Kg and that of paddy straw is 3590 Kcal/Kg, which are
comparable. But another advantage of paddy straw over coal is that they are available at
low cost and their ash content is much less as compared to 36% ash content of coal. The
thermal plant at Jalkheri, District Fatehgarh Sahib is the first plant in India which is based
on use of Biomass i.e. renewable energy source. This plant was commissioned in June,
1992 on turn-key basis by M/s BHEL for PSEB to utilize rice straw. One 10–15 MW agri-
waste based power project has been set up jointly by Punjab Biomass Power, Bermaco
Energy, Archean Granites and Gammon Infrastructure projects Limited in Punjab. The
project uses locally available agricultural waste such as rice straw and sugar cane trash for
fuel. The total annual fuel requirement is around 120,000 t of biomass, all of which will be
sourced locally. Another biomass based power project of 7.5 MW was initiated by Malwa
Power Pvt. Ltd. at village Gulabewalla in district Mukatsar in 2002. Yet in another way,
paddy straw can also be used as raw material for Ethanol production. It is estimated that
0.25 million KL of alcohol can be produced from one million tonnes of paddy straw.
Laboratory scale studies have been completed in this regard but these need to be up scaled

131
to commercial scale. It may be projected that the State can achieve establishment of 0.75
KLD ethanol pilot plants (utilizing 3 tonnes paddy straw) by 2014 in PPP mode with
financial assistance of Rs. 6.00 crore. Further up-scaling to produce 25 KLD of ethanol
(utilizing 100 tonnes / day of paddy straw) can be achieved by 2017 with an estimated
investment of Rs.70-75 crore. Considering the present consumption of petroleum products
(diesel and petrol) in Punjab, which is estimated at 3 million tonnes, there is a possibility
of utilizing 0.3 million tonnes (about 0.37 million KL) of ethanol (with 10-15% blend) per
annum by promoting about 45 such plants (utilizing approximately 1.5 million
tonnes/annum of paddy straw). This can also help in generating more employment.
Easing pollution by using paddy straw in mashroom Crop Residue: Alternative use as fuel in factories
farms Dist: Ludhiana Vill: Slaimpura
Date: 21-10-2015 Time: 12:28PM
Lat: 30⁰55'55.4" Long: 75⁰29'08.4"
Further paddy straw can be collected and used as mulch for some crops. Mulching has
favourable effect on yield of maize, soybean and sugarcane. Paddy straw mulching in
zero-till sown wheat with Happy Seeder machine is recommended. Mulching prevents loss
of soil moisture, improves soil fertility and reduces weed growth. Another use of rice straw
can be in composting. Paddy straw can be composted firstly by using it as bedding
material for animals and then heaping it with cow dung. Paddy residue from one Hectare
give about 3.2 Tons of manure as rich in nutrients as farm yard manure (FYM). Punjab
Agriculture University, Ludhiana, has developed a simple and rapid composting technique
to convert huge piles of paddy straw into organic manure. It takes 45 days to prepare this
compost that helps to conserve nitrogen and other nutrients contained in the straw. It is
reported that this organic compost contains 1.7-2.1 per cent phosphorus and 1.4-1.6 per
cent potassium which helps to improve crop yield by 4 to 9 per cent.

132
Composting of Rice Residue in the combination Crop Residue: Alternative use to built houses for animals
with Cow Dong, Earth Worm & Neem Leafs Dist: Fazilka Vill: Karni Khera
Dist: Fatehgarh Sahib Vill: Mandofall Date: 03-11-2015 Time: 11:04AM
Date: 08-11-2015 Time: 01:30PM Lat: 30⁰22'56.5" Long: 73⁰59'00.4"
Lat: 30⁰38'03.5"Long: 76⁰25'16.9"
Rice Field: Hand threshing after harvest Rice Field: Biomass Preserve for Animals
Dist: Nawan Shahr Vill: Chhandauri Village: Jhaloor District: Barnala
Date: 03-11-2015Time: 03:10PM Date: 30-10-2015Time: 12:28PM
Lat: 31⁰09'14.0"Long: 76⁰14'22.9" Latitude: 30⁰24'01.3"Longitude: 75⁰39'59.9"
Paddy Straw can also be used for Paper/ Board making where, already around 0.1 million
tonnes of paddy straw is being used by paper industry for paper making in the state. There
is not only a need to continue this but also to enhance its utilization to 0.2 million tonnes
by 2017. Furthermore, the advent of new packing material like thermocole has its adverse
environmental implications including disposal problem. Use of paddy straw as a packing
and filling material as an alternative to thermocole and other materials such as plastic or
paper needs to be promoted, wherever feasible (Policy for Management and Utilization of
Paddy Straw in Punjab 2013).
Farmer Gurdeep Singh of Ferozepur

district makes packing-material
cardboard from paddy stubble in a
village factory. (6th November 2015,
file photograph The Indian Express)

133
Paddy Straw can also be used as a Fuel

in Brick kilns. There are 3000 brick
kilns spread all over the Punjab State,
which consume 20 lakh tonnes of coal
per annum as fuel. Use of biomass
(other than rice straw) as fuel in brick
kilns is well established. However, the
use of paddy straw biomass in
briquetted form needs extensive R&D
for evaluating the combustion
behaviour and the likely effects of high
silica on increased wear and tear of
briquetting machines.
5.5 Role and policies of Government
Monitoring and Recording the Levels of Pollution in Punjab is extremely important which
is being done by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The major pollutants such as
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM),
Nitrogen Oxides (NO2) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) are being monitored by PPCB looking
at which suggestive measures can be made to abate the problem of increasing pollution to
the policy makers. There are technologies available for straw management in the farms,
but they are not much affordable to the farmer as their cost runs into lakhs of rupees.
Government can provide subsidy on these newly developed machineries. Government can
create funds such as ‘Agricultural Research and Development Fund’ (2005-06) that can be
used for the development of better quality of alternative agricultural crops, improved
agricultural practices and improved post harvesting management practices. In addition
Punjab government is already in process to intensify its diversification programme in the
agriculture sector wherein it has set up four Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in January
2006 under Financial Commissioner (Development) to promote citrus and fruit juices,
value- added horticulture, viticulture and organic farming. These Agricultural councils are:
 Council for Citrus and Agri. Juicing
 Council for Value added Horticulture
 Organic Farming Council of Punjab
 Viticulture Council of Punjab

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Further to address the problem for better utilization of rice stubble to mitigate the problem
of the pollution caused due to burning, Punjab Council for Science and Technology
(PSCST) constituted a Task Force under the chairmanship of its Executive Director in
September 2006. Under this they are emphasising on strengthening of crop diversification
program, alternate uses of agriculture residues through incorporation of paddy straw in soil
by promoting Happy Seeder Technology, zero till etc., use of agricultural residues for
power generation, use of paddy straw as protein enriched fodder for livestock after
fermentation and biomethanization of paddy straw. The describe actions may proactively
be initiated by different departments and institutions in the state in response to
recommendations of the Task Force. Department of Agriculture is again focusing on
promotion of diversification of cropping pattern in Punjab under which area under Basmati
rice had been increased from 1.5 lakh hectares to 3.5 lakh hectares in the past 5 years
whereby straw of basmati rice can be used as a fodder, which eventual reduce paddy
stubble burning in the fields. Punjab Energy Development agency is also playing an
important role by setting up of 29 power projects with total installed capacity of 330 MW
on BOO basis to private developers with state-of-art technologies such as Biomethanation,
Combustion etc. The plants receive agricultural waste such as paddy straw and cotton
stalks which are utilized to generate power. Department of Animal Husbandry is creating
mass awareness camps for providing information about straw as animal bedding. Punjab
Agricultural University (PAU) has been developing efficient agro-technologies for crop
residue recycling in machine harvested areas as an alternative to burning. The major
equipments developed by PAU are: (i) Happy Seeder Machine for planting in standing
paddy stubbles; (ii) Tractor Operated Paddy Straw Chopper; (iii) Straw Collector and
Baler; (iv) Residue Incorporation in Soil; (v) Compositing Techniques using Paddy Straw.
These technologies have substantially aided farmers to manage paddy residue in situ.
Punjab Remote Sensing centre (PRSC) has been actively playing role in monitoring paddy
residue burning through satellite data using Remote Sensing and GIS which helps policy
makers to access and implement policies to control the problem of residue burning.

135
Chapter 6
Conclusion
On the basis of study regarding rice straw burning in Punjab following conclusions
have been formulated:
 Farmers and policy makers are well acquainted of the adverse consequences of on
farm burning of crop residues. However, because of increased mechanization,
particularly the use of combine harvesters, declining numbers of live stocks, long
period required for composting and unavailability of alternative economically viable
solutions, farmers are compelled to burn the residues. Other reasons that boost the
residue burning include a fast way to clear the fields off the residual biomass, thus,
facilitating land preparation and sowing/planting for next crop. In addition farmer’s
perception is that it provides a fast way of controlling weeds, insects and
diseases, both by eliminating them directly and altering their natural habitat.
 Poor storage facility for the straw and lack of market demand for further use coupled
with high labour wages and anxiety of the farmers to get the crop produce collected
and marketed at the earliest makes the disposal very difficult.
 Some farmers are storing rice straw for using it as animal feed by mixing with wheat
straw (as the prices are high). But, due to high content of lignin and silica in rice
stubbles prevents it from developing into cattle feed and ultimately farmers finds it as
the easiest way to burn the crop residue in the open field.
 The implementation of “The Punjab Preservation of Sub-soil Water Act-2009”, does

not allow farmers to transplant rice before June 10 and now onwards June 15, that
ultimately extends the harvesting of rice up to mid November. Extended harvesting
period of rice in mid November coincides with low atmospheric temperature and
dew formation that add moisture to the crop residue. Burning of such residue with
high moisture content produces a vast cloud of smoke which is entrapped in the
troposphere engulfing the whole Punjab state, India, during October–November.
 From the study, it was found that fire events were sparse in kandi belt, constituted
mainly of Shiwalik range probably because of less area under rice. Moreover, poor
economic condition of the farmers in this area leads to hand harvesting of rice crop
by sickle which is subsequently stored for cattle feed reducing the fire events in this
belt. Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts are traditionally basmati rice growing area

136
where harvesting is done late and manually by sickle. Therefore, fire events were less
in these districts as compared to other rice growing districts. In Fazilka, cotton and
orchards are predominant over rice cultivation reducing the fire density. Fire density
as found to be higher in central and south-western districts (excluding Fazilka) of the
state with a maximum number of fire events in Sangrur (791) followed by Firozpur
(762), Ludhiana (729), Patiala (610) and Bathinda (600) and Moga (565).
 Farmers started burning rice residue even before 15 th October but it picks up pace
after 15th October and the peak period was observed from 29th October to 11th
November, 2015. However maximum frequency was observed during the week from
5th November, 2015 to 11th November, 2015.
 The total area under rice (2015-16) was estimated to be 2722.40 thousand ha where
as the total burnt was estimated to be 1792.51 thousand ha which comes out to be
65.84 percent to the total area under rice. The study revealed that burning of
rice crop residue started from north-western districts (Amritsar, Gurdaspur,
Tarn Taran and Kapurthala) because of the trend of early harvesting of rice crop
(non basmati) in this region and later extended towards central and south western
part.
 The study regarding comaprison between the year 2014 & 2015 reveals that overall
14.48 % decrese in area under residue burning was observed in the year 2015 as
compared to the year 2014. Maximum change in percentage of area under residue
burning of the year 2015 with respect to 2014 was observed in Hoshiarpur (51.81%)
followed by SAS Nagar (37.52%), Mansa (29.96%), Gurdaspur (22.05%) and the
districts accoounted for approximately 21% were Amritsar, Fazilka and Bathinda. On
the flip side, minimum change in percentage of area under residue burning was
noticed in Fategarh Sahib (1.29%) followed by Kapurthala (3.17) and Ludhiana
(5.73%).
 On the whole, a 38 percent fall in number of active fire events was observed in 2015
(7634) as compared to 2014 (12368) for the period from 15 th October to 15th
November. In both the years maximum number of fire events were observed in
Sangrur (1413 in 2014 and 791 in 2015) while Ludhiana become the district with
second highest in count of fire events in 2015 as compared to 2014 (1291 in 2014
and 729 in 2015) were second highest fire count was found in Firozpur (1143 in 2014

137
and 762 in 2015). Moga (967 in 2014 and 565 in 2015) being replaced from third
rank in 2014 with patiala (941 in 2014 and 610 in 2015) in 2015.
 No significant impact of Biomass power plants commissioned by Punjab Energy

Development Agency (PEDA) at Patiala, Mansa, Muktsar, Fazilka, Jalandhar
and Hoshiarpur was visibly observed through Satellite data.
 All stakeholders such as farmers, service providers, researchers, extension workers,

policymakers, civil servants and consumers needs to act together in harnessing the
full potential of these valuable resources for sustainability of Indian agriculture.
 An appropriate policy should be evolved to promote multiple uses of crop residues to

prevent their on-farm burning by developing a market for stubble collection from
fields and use it to make by products. Though some incentives (Cash Prizes) have
been announced by State Government in the recent time to tackle the problem at
village and district level, it needs to be taken at individual farmer level.
 Despites of all these facts farmers still find it the easiest way to burn the residue in
the field to get rid of it. Thus, there is need to improve farmers interest and
participation in ‘’No-burning’’ activity through training, info-
dissemination/campaign, printing (poster, leaflets), electronic (sms, e-mail) and
broadcasting media. As an initiative a group was formed by Gurdaspur agriculture
development officer Amrik Singh over a year ago to educate farmers about crop
health and other issues.
WhatsApp group helps farmers shun paddy straw burning

In Punjab, where a majority of farmers
are setting their fields on fire after
harvesting paddy crop to clear the fields
for next crop without caring about the
impact on the environment and soil, there
is a WhatsApp group ‘Young Innovative
Farmers’ which has been able to stop
several farmers from burning the stubble
in the field this year by disseminating information about the ill effects and alternative
measures to manage the paddy straw (The Indian Express 16th November 2015).

138
 Regular monitoring of crop stubble burning in both Kharif and Rabi season using
satellite data is required to assess the effect of campaign against the dangerous
practice and planning the control of the menace.
 Burning of crop residue may be a regional incident but its impact is not bound to a
specific district, state or country. Therefore, the issue needs national concern and all
the states should act together to mitigate the menace.

139
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1

In Punjab, the harvesting of rice extends up to mid November as transplanting of

Apart from environmental pollution, it also causes health ailments such as

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

 District-wise burning pattern,

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Table 2.1: Data used for burnt area estimation in Punjab

Satellite Spatial Path Date of

092/047 d 27/10/2015 All 22 Districts of Punjab

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib Districts and some

Some parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Firozpur and

IRS R2 Some parts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Firozpur and

Major parts of Firozpur & Faridkot and Some parts of

093/050 a 1/11/2015 Major parts of Fazilka & Muktsar Districts

094/048 c 6/11/2015 Major parts of Hoshiarpur Districts

Major parts of Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar & Kapurthala and

Major parts of Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib & SAS Nagar

095/050 a 11/11/2015 Major parts of Patiala District

095/050 c 11/11/2015 Some parts of Patiala and Sangrur Districts

Major parts of SBS Nagar & Rupnagar and Some parts of

094/049 d 30/11/2015 Some parts of Sangrur and Mansa Districts

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Analysis of fire events due to crop residue burning

Estimation of area under crop residue burning

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Terra/ Aqua MODIS Fire

Multidate Multidate Multidate Ground

Preprocessing Preprocessing Preprocessing

Classification Classification Classification

Adding multidate classified results

Output Map: Area under crop residue burning

Fig-2.1. Methodology flowchart

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

2.3. Study area:

AWiFS 92/47 03 October, 2015

Map 2.1: Study area – Punjab State

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Terra, 15 Oct, 2015

Aqua, 15 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Fig 3.2: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 15-Oct-2015.

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Terra, 16 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point

Aqua, 16 Oct, 2015

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Fig 3.4: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 16-Oct-2015.

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Terra, 17 Oct, 2015

Aqua, 17 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Fig 3.6: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 17-Oct-2015

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Terra, 18 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point

Aqua, 18 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Fig 3.8: District-wise fire events captured in Punjab on 18-Oct-2015

Prepared by: PRSC, Ludhiana Submitted to: PPCB, Patiala

Terra, 19 Oct, 2015 Active Fire point