KARACHI:
Rising air pollution has led to an increase in smog around the world. Intense smog during the winter reduces visibility disrupting daily lives. For the last several weeks, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and other major cities have ranked among the most polluted cities in the world. The air quality in these areas has deteriorated to a dangerous extent.
In urban centres of the country, high levels of hazardous gas and smoke emissions from factories and vehicles have contributed to the worsening air quality. The absence of widespread forest cover and the burning of waste, crops, etc has intensified the issue. People in cities with high levels of smog are experiencing issues with breathing, throat and eye irritation, and increased risks of cardiac arrest. It is worth mentioning that poor environmental conditions also affect one’s mental health.
Environmental issues including smog have long been at the forefront. Yet federal and provincial governments have not taken any serious measures to curb the issue. The relevant authorities should urge factories emitting hazardous smoke to switch to renewable resources. Similarly, vehicles’ emissions should be tested and if their smoke levels exceed environmental standards then vehicle owners should be fined. Public awareness campaigns should be initiated to discourage people from cutting trees and burning waste.
Fatima Tanvir Khan
Narowal
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2023.
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