LAHORE: Commissioner Nauman Yousuf on Monday directed administrations of all four districts of Lahore Division to intensify anti-smog measures, warning of zero tolerance for burning crop residue, garbage and other waste.
Presiding over a divisional meeting attended by deputy commissioners and officials of relevant departments, the commissioner ordered the formation and full activation of anti-smog squads in the districts of Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Sheikhupura with particular emphasis on preventing the burning of rice crop residue as the harvesting season begins.
According to a briefing given at the meeting, an FIR has been registered, six cases of prosecution initiated and fines totalling Rs90,000 imposed over the burning of crop residue.
Mr Yousuf directed the district administrations and agriculture department to take strict action against those involved in the practice. He also called for the issuance of warning notices, announcements through mosques and awareness campaigns to educate farmers about measures to curb smog.
He instructed the authorities to keep anti-smog squads active in Nankana Sahib, areas around the Sheikhupura Motorway and other localities, stressing that no effort should be spared to control air pollution.
The commissioner also directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Suthra Punjab and environment teams to take strict action against the burning of green waste, describing it as a punishable offence.
He ordered the enforcement of regulations governing transport vehicles and sand-carrying trolleys entering Lahore at night. Traffic police and regional transport authorities were directed to fine and impound vehicles emitting excessive smoke.
The meeting was informed that traffic and environment squads had been deployed at Lahore’s entry and exit points to enforce anti-smog regulations.
Mr Yousuf said the ban on substandard fuel, garbage and tyre burning must be strictly enforced, adding that all districts should continue crackdowns against such violations.
He further directed officials to ensure that brick kilns operated in accordance with prescribed standards, reiterating zero tolerance for kilns operating without zigzag technology or emitting black smoke.
Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026
