Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed profound concern over the alarming increase of 740 percent in crop residue burning in Indian Punjab, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Mohsin said that the American space agency NASA report, accompanied by graphic evidence, underlined the critical escalation of stubble burning in Indian Punjab.

Shockingly, within just one day, there was a staggering 740% surge in this environmentally damaging practice, he said, adding that this stark evidence has spotlighted India's apparent indifference towards the consequences of such actions.

He said the consequences of this heightened crop residue burning are manifest in the increasing smog levels in the region, especially in Lahore. “The large-scale burning of crop residues stands as a primary factor in the deteriorating air quality in Lahore, and its residents are grappling with the detrimental health and environmental effects.

The consistent rise in pollution levels in Lahore due to this environmental aggression has become a matter of grave concern, he said, adding that the Punjab government in response initiated a plan to mitigate the effects of smog, adopting all feasible measures.

The Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister lamented that the surge in pollution has resulted in an increase in eye, respiratory, and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) diseases among the populace.

To safeguard their health, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, it is recommended that they use masks to shield themselves from the harmful effects of smog, he advised.