Crackdown on rice residue burning

Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry has directed the relevant depart-ments to enforce a ban on burning rice crop residue and take legal action against violators as part of measures to prevent smog and pollution. According to a spokesperson here on Tuesday, the commissioner issued the directions while chairing a meeting held to review measures for prevention of smog. The meeting reviewed measures to prevent smog, air pollution and burning of rice crop residue. Agriculture Director Mehr Abid Hussain gave a briefing on steps being tak-en to curb smog and educate farmers about the harmful effects of burning residue. Chaudhry said rice harvesting had started in the division and burning crop residue during the process could contribute to air pollution and smog. He directed the concerned departments to educate farmers about the harmful effects of burning rice residue.