Enhancing Satellite-Based Monitoring: CAQM-ISRO Collaboration to Mitigate Stubble Burning

As the winter season approaches, the Delhi-NCR region faces the perennial challenge of deteriorating air quality, largely exacerbated by crop residue burning in neighboring states. To address this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has initiated a strategic collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The objective is to enhance the spatial and temporal accuracy of satellite-based monitoring systems, ensuring that farm fire detection is more granular and reliable. Historically, discrepancies in reporting farm fires have hindered effective enforcement and policy implementation. By leveraging ISRO’s advanced remote sensing capabilities, the CAQM aims to move beyond generalized data, enabling a more precise identification of pollution hotspots. This technological upgrade is complemented by a shift toward decentralized governance, where state governments are tasked with implementing sector-specific action plans. By fostering municipal-level accountability, the administration seeks to bridge the gap between data collection and ground-level enforcement, ensuring that local authorities are directly responsible for mitigating pollution sources within their jurisdictions.