CM orders crackdown on crop residue burning, warns DCs over poor performance

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed deputy commissioners (DCs) to ensure a complete halt to the burning of crop residue and warned officials in Okara and other districts over their failure to prevent such incidents.

The chief minister directed the authorities to incorporate fountains and other water features into beautification schemes and ordered the establishment of dedicated squads for governance and road maintenance. The squads would inspect sites and take corrective measures within 12 hours, the meeting was told.

Chairing a meeting on the performance of deputy commissioners, the chief minister expressed displeasure over delays and substandard work on beautification projects in several districts, stressing that quality, sustainability and timely completion must remain the administration’s priorities.

Punjab Performance Management Unit head and Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza presented district-wise key performance indicators (KPIs) at the meeting.

The chief minister commended the administrations of Murree, Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Jhelum, Layyah and Sahiwal for their performance.

The CM also called for ensuring that all streetlights remained functional, manholes were properly covered, and zebra crossings and school safety arrangements were improved.

The chief minister gave deputy commissioners three days to improve conditions at public hospitals and directed DCs and assistant commissioners (ACs) to visit hospitals daily. She also ordered daily deep cleaning of hospitals and washing of roads across the province.

ACs were directed to take immediate steps to restore non-functional water filtration plants, while the administration was asked to ensure the repair, maintenance and cleanliness of general bus terminals and Green Bus shelters.

The meeting also agreed on a three-step mechanism to discourage the use of vacant plots as garbage dumping sites: a warning to owners for the first violation, a heavy fine for the second and registration of an FIR in case of a third offence.

The CM ordered a province-wide operation against encroachments and directed the removal of wall chalking, torn banners and small advertising posters from public spaces.

She also called for measures to control stray dogs across Punjab.

“Lane markings, painted buildings and clean roads create the impression of a well-managed city. Negligence on the part of deputy commissioners and the administration reflects on my reputation,” she was quoted as saying.

The chief minister directed DCs to visit universities and colleges to brief students on ongoing development projects and government schemes. Each district administration was also asked to prepare a District Economic Plan to promote local economic development.

The meeting reviewed beautification projects in several districts, including Akbar Bazaar in Khanewal, Main Bazaar in Mian Channu and Allah Dad Bazaar in Jahanian.

Reports were also presented on projects in Sheikhupura’s Main Bazaar, Akbar Bazaar, Humayun Bazaar, Chhota Adda Bazaar and Safdarabad, as well as in Sharaqpur and Muridke.

The Gujranwala administration was appreciated for its beautification work, while projects in Eminabad, Kamoke and Nowshera Virkan were reviewed. The chief minister directed the completion of four beautification plans in Nankana Sahib by November and instructed the Rawalpindi administration to focus on green belts while reviewing five projects in the city.

She also asked the Gujrat deputy commissioner to incorporate new schemes into the development projects.

Expressing dissatisfaction with deviations from the originally approved plans in Rahim Yar Khan, the CM Punjab directed that food streets and food carts be handed over to capable individuals and companies.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of districts on eBiz, dog-bite incidents, Suthra Punjab, hospitals, schools, price control, road and street safety, public facilities, development monitoring, regulation and enforcement, urban management, public spaces and citizen services.

The chief minister directed officials to improve service delivery and warned administrations over poor performance.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026