The air in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, has reached an alarming level on the Air Quality Index (AQI), posing serious health risks and triggering concerns among residents and environmentalists alike. Despite the Punjab interim government’s efforts, the city’s AQI remains dangerously high, even during winter holidays in educational institutions when traffic is reduced.
With an AQI reading of 345 early in November, Lahore ranked the second worst city in the world for air pollution, according to the Air Quality Index run by Swiss-based IQAir. An AQI above 151 on a scale of 500 is unhealthy, while above 301 the air is hazardous for breathing.
It’s evident that the challenge of smog has left the Punjab government seemingly helpless, with the implementation of the Smog Prevention and Control Rules 2023 yielding minimal results. The festive season of Christmas in Lahore was overshadowed by a thick blanket of smog, further highlighting the severity of the issue.
The causes of Lahore’s smog are intricate, involving a mix of natural and human factors. Natural contributors such as low wind speed, high humidity and temperature inversion trap pollutants near the ground. On the human side, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, crop residue burning, brick kilns smoke and garbage burning contribute to elevated levels of 2.5 PM in the air.
In recent years, the issue of air quality has gained prominence globally, and Pakistan is no exception to this environmental concern. Karachi and Peshawar, two of other most populous cities of the country, find themselves grappling with deteriorating air quality, presenting a significant challenge to public health and urban well-being.
In Karachi, a bustling economic hub, the air quality has been a cause for alarm, with factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity and unplanned urbanization contributing to elevated levels of air pollution. Monitoring stations reveal a worrisome concentration of particulate matter (PM) and pollutants, posing potential health risks to residents.
Peshawar, also facing similar challenges, grapples with a mix of urban and industrial sources of air pollution. The city’s geographical location and climatic conditions exacerbate the problem, trapping pollutants in the air and leading to persistent smog episodes.
Despite the complexity of the problem, experts criticize the government for not addressing the root causes of environmental problem and failing to implement long-term solutions. Shifting to renewable energy, enhancing public transportation and creating green spaces are among the vital measures required to combat the escalating pollution.
In a collaborative effort with the UAE government, the Punjab government experimented with artificial rain to curb smog. However, persistently high pollution levels indicate the need for more substantial and enduring interventions. Fossil fuel and waste combustion, which are the major contributors to air pollution, demand urgent attention. The government has a window of opportunity to transition from coal and gas to solar, wind and hydropower, steering away from a daily battle with polluted air.
The general public also plays a crucial role in mitigating smog hazards. As Lahore grapples with a health-threatening atmosphere, it is imperative for both the government and citizens to unite in adopting sustainable practices for a breathable and healthier future.
