The Punjab government has announced a province-wide ban on the burning of seven items in an effort to control rising pollution levels as intense smog is expected to hit the region in the coming days. The banned items include crop residue, rubber, plastic, tyres, leather, cardboard, and insulation material — all of which release toxic particles when burned. Authorities said the decision is part of an urgent response to deteriorating air quality, particularly in Lahore, Faisalabad, and other industrial hubs of the province.
According to officials, the Environment Protection Department will be working closely with district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the ban. Violators will face fines and other legal action. The department has also warned that burning these materials not only worsens smog but also poses serious health risks, including respiratory illnesses and eye infections, which have become increasingly common during the winter season.
Farmers have been urged to adopt alternative methods for disposing of crop waste instead of burning it in open fields. The government has introduced awareness campaigns and is offering technical assistance to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Residents have also been advised to report any violations through helplines and mobile applications designed to monitor environmental compliance across the province.
Environmental experts have welcomed the move but stress that long-term improvement in air quality will require consistent enforcement and a broader strategy. They emphasize the need to address other major pollution sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and dust from construction sites. As Punjab braces for another smog-heavy season, the government’s preventive approach aims to safeguard public health and reduce the scale of disruption caused by hazardous air conditions each year.
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