- A study highlights that 'partial burning' of crop residue continues to be a major hurdle in tackling farm fire pollution in northern India. - Partial burning occurs when only a portion of the residue is burned or ignition is incomplete, making satellite detection difficult and distorting official estimation of farm fires. - Stubble burning remains a primary seasonal contributor to severe air pollution episodes in Delhi-NCR during the winter months. - Effective management requires moving beyond mere punitive measures to address the socio-economic and operational constraints faced by farmers regarding crop residue management machinery. - **National Clean Air Programme:** A nationwide strategy launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to reduce particulate matter pollution in Indian cities and improve air quality governance. **Introduction** A recent study points out that 'partial burning' of crop residue—where fields are only partially torched—remains a persistent challenge in mitigating farm fire pollution affecting Delhi-NCR. This practice undermines accurate satellite monitoring and points to gaps in current residue management strategies. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - A study highlights that 'partial burning' of crop residue continues to be a major hurdle in tackling farm fire pollution in northern India. - Partial burning occurs when only a portion of the residue is burned or ignition is incomplete, making satellite detection difficult and distorting official estimation of farm fires. - Stubble burning remains a primary seasonal contributor to severe air pollution episodes in Delhi-NCR during the winter months. - Effective management requires moving beyond mere punitive measures to address the socio-economic and operational constraints faced by farmers regarding crop residue management machinery. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **National Clean Air Programme:** A nationwide strategy launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to reduce particulate matter pollution in Indian cities and improve air quality governance.