Crop-residue burning: EPA intensifies operations across Punjab
LAHORE: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab in its province-wide crackdown on agricultural fires has detected 593 fire incidents and extinguished 581 fires across Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha and Gujranwala.
The intensified operation is being reinforced through specialised night-squad surveillance, satellite-based fire detection and an expanded Quick Response Unit mechanism to prevent agricultural burning and curb smoke emissions.
The intensified enforcement drive follows a week of surprise field inspections by Director General Environment Protection Punjab Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh, who has personally monitored surveillance and response arrangements alongside major motorways and Grand Trunk (GT) roads.
A central component of this operation is the Punjab Climate Watch Hub, which is utilising satellite-based monitoring and fire-anomaly data to identify potential fire incidents across the province. Dedicated Punjab Climate Watch personnel are working round the clock, analysing satellite-generated fire anomalies, identifying vulnerable locations and immediately communicating verified alerts to the respective district field formations for on-ground intervention.
The 24-hour monitoring mechanism has strengthened the department’s ability to identify fires that may otherwise remain unnoticed, particularly in remote agricultural areas and during nighttime hours. Satellite-based intelligence is being translated into actionable field alerts, enabling district teams and Quick Response Units to reach identified locations, verify incidents and undertake immediate extinguishing operations.
The coordination between the Punjab Climate Watch Hub and district enforcement teams has established an integrated detection-to-response mechanism, linking satellite surveillance with physical field operations. Rather than relying exclusively on public complaints or routine inspections, the department is using continuous satellite monitoring to identify fire anomalies and direct its resources towards emerging hotspots.
During his surprise visits over the past week, DG Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh inspected the deployment and operational readiness of Quick Response Units, firefighting arrangements and the effectiveness of field surveillance along major motorways and GT roads. He directed officers to ensure uninterrupted patrolling, immediate response to fire alerts and strict monitoring of vulnerable agricultural locations.
Under the strengthened strategy, specialised night squads are being deployed to intensify surveillance during nighttime hours, when agricultural fires can spread rapidly and contribute to smoke pollution. The department is adopting an aggressive, intelligence-led enforcement approach, combining satellite data, ground patrols, drone surveillance, fire-anomaly detection and immediate firefighting operations.
The Quick Response Unit network, supported by tractor-mounted fire bowsers and dedicated field personnel, is being mobilised to ensure swift intervention wherever agricultural fires are detected. Special attention is being directed towards motorway corridors, GT roads, agricultural belts and adjoining settlements, with field teams instructed to maintain continuous vigilance.
The department is also strengthening coordination with district administrations and Agriculture Department officials to prevent crop-residue burning during harvesting activities. Vulnerable agricultural locations are being identified for proactive monitoring, while field formations have been instructed to take immediate action against individuals involved in illegal burning under applicable environmental laws.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026