From Daily Times · Attia Naveed · · 1m 10s
Lahore Smog Cracks Down on Crop Fires
Punjab launches rapid-response teams to stop crop residue fires amid Lahore smog crisis.
In brief
Punjab launches rapid-response teams to stop crop residue fires amid Lahore smog crisis. Punjab authorities extinguished 650 crop fires in 24 hours using 750-member teams to reduce Lahore's smog pollution. Originally reported by Daily Times.
Punjab Smog Response
Punjab authorities launched specialised rapid-response teams to tackle stubble burning amid worsening smog.
Smog Crisis Details
Farmers burn leftover rice crops after October's harvest to clear fields but release smoke that combines with industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.
Rapid-Response Teams
The department established a 750-member force with 67 rapid-response units across major rice-producing districts.
Fire Extinguishing Results
Officials extinguished 650 reported fires within 24 hours and received 679 reports of field fires this week.
Fines and Penalties
Farmers caught burning crop residue face fines of Rs15,000 per acre with potential imprisonment for up to six months.
Financial Support
The government distributed over 10,000 subsidised super seeders covering 60 percent of each machine's cost.
Health Impact
October's smog-related throat hospitalisations reached 69 percent of October 2025 levels despite enforcement efforts.
The essence
Punjab authorities extinguished 650 crop fires in 24 hours using 750-member teams to reduce Lahore's smog pollution.
