Punjab has reported a significant decline in crop-residue burning this season, with incidents dropping by nearly 70 percent compared to previous years. Authorities attribute this decline to a combination of strict enforcement measures, farmer awareness campaigns, and technological interventions aimed at controlling stubble burning.
The reduction has been particularly noticeable in major agricultural districts where wheat, rice, and sugarcane are grown extensively. In past seasons, crop-residue fires had been a major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban centers like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, causing severe smog and posing serious health risks.
Government agencies, in collaboration with environmental organizations, have actively promoted alternatives to stubble burning, such as mechanized residue management, composting, and converting crop waste into biofuel. Farmers were provided subsidies and incentives to adopt these environmentally friendly methods.
Real-time monitoring systems, including satellite surveillance and drones, were deployed to detect and curb illegal burning activities. Punjab’s environmental authorities also imposed fines on violators and organized training sessions to educate farmers about the health and ecological consequences of crop fires.
Officials believe that the 70 percent reduction marks a major step toward improving air quality in the province and mitigating the annual smog crisis. The provincial government has emphasized that continued enforcement, along with support for sustainable agricultural practices, is essential to maintain this trend and protect both public health and the environment.
This progress demonstrates that coordinated policy measures, farmer engagement, and technological monitoring can effectively address one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Punjab.