Noida, Oct. 19 -- The district administration has directed all departments to intensify surveillance and act strictly against stubble burning and garbage fires - two major contributors to local pollution, officials said on Saturday. The directions comes amid the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region. District officials have been asked to maintain round-the-clock monitoring in both rural and urban pockets, ensure rapid response teams remain active, and penalise individuals found burning crop residue or waste. Authorities and nagar panchayats have also been instructed to conduct routine field inspections. According to officials, the agriculture department has already undertaken awareness campaigns among farmers, who are being encouraged to adopt alternatives such as composting or providing stubble to gaushalas as fodder instead of burning it. The district has also emphasised scientific use of crop residue through existing schemes. "Officials must ensure regular monitoring to maintain a clean and pollution-free environment. The agriculture department has been directed to launch an awareness campaign so that no farmer burns stubble," said district magistrate Medha Roopam. The DM also directed all urban local bodies to impose fines immediately on anyone found burning waste or stubble. Further, the administration plans to involve gram pradhans, lekhpals and farmer groups at the village level to build local vigilance and environmental responsibility. Continuous monitoring teams will track incidents and ensure timely action, officials said....