Why in news
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is collaborating with ISRO to improve satellite-based farm fire detection protocols through enhanced ground truthing in Punjab and Haryana.
What is CAQM?
- Statutory body constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
- Replaced the former Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to provide an overarching body for air quality coordination across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Key Changes in Detection Methodology
- Addressing limitation where thermal satellite sensors miss short-duration or small-scale stubble fires during non-overpass hours.
- Integrating ground-level verification data with ISRO satellite monitoring to establish accurate black carbon and PM2.5 emissions inventory.
Why It Matters
- Prevents undercounting of seasonal agricultural fires, enabling targeted enforcement and timely paddy straw management incentives.
Key terms
Ground Truthing
The process of collecting direct physical measurement data on the ground to calibrate and validate remote sensing satellite data.
Black Carbon
A short-lived climate pollutant produced by the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels that absorbs solar radiation.
Prelims facts
- CAQM is a statutory body established under the CAQM Act, 2021, replacing EPCA.
Mains discussion
- Inter-state coordination and technological limitations in air pollution governance across the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Source: The Hindu
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2017 · Q65 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries. 2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2019 · Q32 · General Studies · 2 marks
For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below -
2020 · Q48 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished wooden furniture 5. Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2020 · Q83 · General Studies · 2 marks
What is/are the advantage/ advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? 1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop. 2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible. 3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2019 · Q35 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?