KARACHI:
Lahore is ignominiously labelled as the most polluted city in the world. Every year, during the winter season, the air quality of Lahore exacerbates. This lasts from October to February. During this period, the farmers of Punjab burn the crop remnants which are amalgamated with vehicular exhaust, stack emissions, brick kiln fumes and dust particles to worsen the air quality. Resultantly, smog has intensified in Lahore because of which the city has consistently ranked either first or second in air quality and pollution rankings.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to determine air quality and functions as a thermometer that ranges from 0 to 500 degrees. If the AQI value is higher than 100 degrees, it means that the air quality of that region is unhealthy. Currently, Lahore is dealing with an extremely unhealthy environment compared to 3 years ago when it ranked 10.
The air quality of Lahore can be improved if everyone works collectively and takes precautionary measures. On an individual level, people should avoid using vehicles and resort to car-pooling or public transport as much as possible. They should switch to biodiesel and clean up the effluents before discharging them into the atmosphere to reduce the adverse environmental impacts. On a federal level, the government should adopt a more environment-friendly alternative to brick kilns to reduce toxic waste in the air. In addition, the government’s ten billion tree project is a great initiative, and the process of afforestation must be carried out in all four provinces to ensure a healthier environment.
Usba Fayyaz
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2021.
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