Residual crop burning has adverse effects on the quality of soil in the region and air, in and around, the region. Lack of adequate amount of laborers and time to prepare the fields for Rabi cultivation season are the primary reasons behind this widespread practice. Recent scientific studies have shown a rapid increase in PM 2.5 levels and fine particulate matter in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as well as in the neighboring states due to winds blowing in northwestern direction. The residual crop burning practice in these three states is suspected to be the major reason for this trend.

The air pollution level in the national capital remains on the brink of turning severe. The odd-even vehicle restriction implemented last year by the Delhi government as an emergency measure to restrict vehicular emissions in the capital saw a surprising increase in the pollution levels. While the reasons were uncertain, a satellite image and study released by NASA indicated towards the increasing residual crop burning events in the surrounding states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

NASA’s active fire data, coupled with MODIS atmospheric products, can be used to develop an indicator for the relationship between the increasing crop burning events in northern India and it’s immediate effects on the air quality, increasing smog and decreasing visibility in other parts of the Indo Gangetic region. Remote sensing can be used as an efficient tool to monitor these events and suggest possible solutions for sustainable crop management.