Punjab Government Cracks Down on Crop Residue Burning to Combat Smog

Lahore, Following directives from Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, the Punjab government has initiated stringent actions against the burning of crop residues, a practice that contributes significantly to the region’s air pollution and smog. This enforcement action includes the arrest and registration of cases against individuals involved in such activities, with recent legal actions taken against offenders in Hafizabad.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, two individuals were recently charged for burning crop remains alongside a highway in Hafizabad, an act that led to a significant accident on the motorway due to reduced visibility from smoke. The Punjab government has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on crop residue burning, as outlined in the Environmental Improvement and Smog Abatement Act.

The senior minister highlighted the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to educate and enforce laws against this harmful practice, including community announcements in mosques and engagement with local farmers through district administrators and numberdars to inform them of the legal and health risks associated with crop residue burning.