Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed district administrations to strictly enforce the ban on crop residue burning across the province as authorities intensify efforts to tackle smog and air pollution.
The chief minister instructed all deputy commissioners to ensure that farmers do not burn agricultural waste and that violations are dealt with under relevant regulations.
She issued the directions during a high-level meeting in Lahore on Thursday, where officials also reviewed district performance, development activities and the delivery of essential public services.
Maryam Nawaz expressed concern over the contribution of agricultural waste burning to deteriorating air quality. She emphasised that district administrations must strengthen field monitoring and ensure compliance with environmental protection measures.
The chief minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Okara district administration over its handling of crop residue burning.
She directed officials to improve supervision and take practical measures to prevent activities that contribute to pollution.
The provincial government is increasing its efforts to control smog, particularly during the colder months when air pollution becomes a major concern across Punjab.
Apart from agricultural smoke, vehicle emissions, industrial activities and construction dust also contribute to poor air quality.
The chief minister said preventing crop residue burning was an important part of the province’s wider environmental protection strategy.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz also reviewed ongoing beautification projects in different districts.
She instructed deputy commissioners to speed up development work and ensure that public spaces and urban areas receive proper attention.
The chief minister expressed dissatisfaction over delays in certain projects and directed the concerned officials to improve implementation.
Road maintenance was another important issue discussed during the meeting. Maryam Nawaz ordered the formation of special squads to monitor road conditions and address infrastructure-related complaints.
District administrations were also instructed to identify damaged roads and arrange timely repairs.
She directed authorities to restore non-functional water filtration plants to improve access to clean drinking water.
Healthcare facilities also came under review, with the chief minister instructing deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners to conduct daily visits to hospitals.
During these inspections, officials will assess medical facilities, monitor patient services and identify problems requiring immediate attention.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that district administrations must ensure better healthcare services and respond promptly to public complaints.
The chief minister also ordered stronger action against illegal encroachments across Punjab.
She directed district officials to coordinate operations against structures occupying roads, footpaths and other public spaces.
The initiative aims to improve traffic flow, maintain public access and strengthen urban management.
Meanwhile, Punjab Performance Management Unit adviser Shoaib Mirza presented a district performance report during the meeting.
The review covered Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, Layyah and Sahiwal, among other areas.
Maryam Nawaz directed administrative officers to address weaknesses in district performance and accelerate public welfare projects.
The meeting concluded with instructions to improve environmental enforcement, healthcare monitoring, road maintenance and municipal services.
In other news read more about: Lahore Once Again Tops Global Pollution Ranking as AQI Hits 355
The Punjab government aims to strengthen district-level administration while reducing pollution and improving living conditions across the province.
