BAHAWALPUR: The Vehari police, launching the anti-smog campaign across the district, claim to have made the first arrest for burning crops stubble on Tuesday.

According to police, Munir Ahmed has been arrested for burning crops stubble and after registration of a case was lodged in the lock-up, says a handout.

NAROWAL: In a blatant violation of section 144 in the district, farmers set on fire crop residue on more than 50 acres of land on Tuesday near Dawood railway station.

The Punjab government had imposed emergency in six districts of Lahore and Gujranwala divisions.

Despite recent rain and change in weather, air pollution could not be reduced.

In Narowal district, farmers have started burning rice crop residues in their fields. They set on fire remains of crops in more than 50 acres of fields. The smoke billowing from the fire has engulfed dozens of surrounding villages. People living in villages are experiencing increased throat and lung problems due to smog intensity.

Locals Ashiq and Abdul Ghani said in Shakargarh and Zafarwal tehsils, farmers are torching residue in the fields. They said last year, the law-enforcement agencies used to charge Rs2,000 per acre for burning crop residue.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2023