Actions against crop residue burning intensified in Punjab, 679 incidents reported. 📌 Key Highlights & Quick Takeaways: In view of the increase in the intensity of smog in Punjab, the Environment Protection Department has intensified operations against crop re. Director General of Punjab Environment Protection Department, Abdullah Nayar Sheikh, has assigned the responsibilities of various districts. It was informed in this regard that last week DG Environment himself conducted a surprise inspection of various motorways and GT roads and r. In view of the increase in the intensity of smog in Punjab, the Environment Protection Department has intensified operations against crop residue burning across the province and according to the department, 679 incidents of crop residue burning have been reported so far, out of which 650 fires have been extinguished. Director General of Punjab Environment Protection Department, Abdullah Nayar Sheikh, has assigned the responsibilities of various districts to all the directors to monitor the campaign against crop residue burning. It was informed in this regard that last week DG Environment himself conducted a surprise inspection of various motorways and GT roads and reviewed the deployment of field teams, monitoring system and fire fighting arrangements and directed that immediate action should be taken on every report of fire and field teams should be available 24 hours a day. According to the department, Punjab Climate Watch Hub is monitoring crop residue burning incidents through satellite, fire alerts received from the satellite are sent to the respective district teams for on-site verification and fire extinguishing measures. Special night squads, drone surveillance, tractor-mounted fire bowsers and quick response units have also been deployed for anti-smog operations. Official Wire Source & Legal Disclaimer Read ▼ 📰 Official Source & Legal Provenance: Express News Documented Wire Record Editorial & Legal Notice: Ingested and verified from official journalistic wire (Express News) under applicable press regulations. Full primary documentary sources are permanently archived.