Crop fires catch rage in Punj-Haryana

NEW DELHI: In the face of a ban and warnings issued by the Delhi High Court, crop fires have spread across Punjab and northern Haryana as per data released by NASA satellites. An image from NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System website showed "fire spots" dotting the regions. Each spot showed thermal and fire anomalies detected by NASA's satellites. The high court had warned chief secretaries of four states that they would be held responsible if corp burning persisted this year. The fires may impact the Capital's air quality for the next weeks. Crop fires refer to the burning of paddy stubbles to clear the fields for winter sowing. It is common practice in the north which has lead to several air pollution across the area. A senior environment department official said, "The government has already taken up the matter with them. Even the high court had directed these states to ensure there is no burning of paddy straw. Now I am not sure what else can be done."