Punjab imposes complete ban on burning waste to fight smog

The Punjab Environment Department has placed a complete ban on burning trash in open spaces across the province to fight smog and keep the air clean. According to a spokesperson on Sunday, Director General (DG) Environment Department Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh has ordered strict action against anyone who burns garbage in streets, roads, empty plots, or near markets. The ban also strictly applies to burning plastic, rubber, leaves, bushes, and other materials. According to the Environment Department, burning waste releases harmful smoke and dangerous particles into the air, which makes smog worse and harms public health. Officials said the new strategy aims to stop pollution at its source before air quality gets worse. DG Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh directed field teams to increase monitoring and take immediate action against violators, stating that burning garbage piles will not be allowed under any circumstances. The department has also asked district administrations and local bodies to collect and dispose of waste properly and on time. The Environment Department urged the public and business owners to use official garbage collection systems instead of burning trash, as a zero-tolerance policy is now in place to ensure clean air in Punjab.