The anti-smog campaign in Punjab has been strengthened under Chief Minister Maryam
Nawaz Sharif to control pollution. On October 5, Lahore recorded an AQI of 170, while winds
moved from the southeast at five kilometers per hour. Winds were expected from the south
during the day.

The Punjab government has increased monitoring against pollution sources across the
province. Drone squads, night squads and Hawk Eye teams are checking areas where pollution
could increase. Authorities issued 448,712 notices to farmers against crop residue burning. Rice
harvesting has reached 815,558 acres from 6.33 million acres, completing around 13 percent.

Modern machinery is being provided to farmers to manage crop residues without burning. More
than 10,000 Super Seeders, 1,259 Kubota machines and 187 balers are active across Punjab.
Kubota machines managed residues across 329,245 acres, while balers handled 97,514 acres.
The approach aims to protect the environment.

During the previous 24 hours, officials inspected 21 industrial units across Punjab. Four units
were sealed, two cases were registered and Rs. 300,000 in fines were imposed. Officials also
inspected 70 brick kilns, sealing one and imposing a Rs. 100,000 fine.

Authorities inspected 17 locations against substandard plastic and seized 18 kilograms.
Commercial cooking and barbecue points were checked, with two locations sealed. Officials
issued 301 warnings against burning solid waste, tyres, rubber and plastic materials.

To reduce dust, water was sprayed across 1,006 kilometers of roads, while 35 repairs were
completed. Officials issued 581 warnings over encroachments and illegal structures. Fourteen
actions were taken against illegal tree cutting, while 193 new trees were planted.

Authorities conducted 276 public awareness activities during the previous 24 hours. Senior
Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the campaign is a long-term environmental programme. The
government is providing farmers with alternatives so crop residues can become useful
resources.

Source: Punjab Government / Environment Protection and Climate Change Department

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