LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) claimed on Friday to have detected 593 agricultural fire incidents and extinguished 581 of them across eight districts as it intensifies surveillance and enforcement to prevent crop-residue burning during the ongoing anti-smog campaign.
The incidents were detected in Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha and Gujranwala through satellite-based monitoring, field surveillance and specialised night squads, according to the EPA.
The agency has expanded its monitoring mechanism through the Punjab Climate Watch Hub, which analyses satellite-generated fire anomalies round the clock and forwards verified alerts to district field teams for on-ground action.
The operation is being supported by Quick Response Units equipped with tractor-mounted fire bowsers, firefighting equipment and dedicated personnel to reach reported locations and extinguish fires.
EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh conducted surprise inspections over the past week to assess the deployment of field teams and surveillance arrangements along major motorways and Grand Trunk (GT) roads.
During the visits, he directed officials to ensure uninterrupted night patrolling, immediate response to satellite alerts and strict monitoring of agricultural areas identified as vulnerable to crop-residue burning.
The agency has also deployed specialised night squads to monitor agricultural belts, motorway corridors and adjoining settlements, where fires can remain undetected during nighttime hours.
Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2026
