KARACHI:
Pollution due to urbanisation is a growing problem that poses serious threats to both human health and the environment. As more people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities, the demands for housing, infrastructure and transportation grows exponentially. However, this growth comes at a significant environmental cost.
Urbanisation leads to deforestation, increased vehicle emissions and overuse of natural resources, all of which contribute to air and water and noise pollutions. As cities expand, the demand for water increases, leading to over-extraction from natural sources. Furthermore, untreated industrial waste, sewage and chemicals from agricultural runoffs often get discharged into rivers, lakes and oceans, contaminating water bodies. This pollution harms aquatic life and makes water unsafe for consumption, contributing to waterborne diseases.
The rise in the number of vehicles, industries and construction activities in urban areas leads to higher emissions of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, besides particulate matter. These pollutants degrade air quality and pose significant health risks, such as respiratory diseases, asthma and heart conditions.
Urbanisation is also a cause of thermal pollution as concrete and asphalt pavement readily absorb solar radiation, causing surface temperatures to rise, which then transfer heat to stromwater runoff. Stormwater draining from urban areas carries this absorbed heat into nearby rivers, lakes and streams, elevating their temperature.
Urbanisation is necessary for economic progress, but it must be managed sustainably to prevent pollution. Governments, industries and citizens must work together to implement eco-friendly practices and policies. By prioritising environmental protection, cities can grow without compromising the health and well-being of future generations. A clean and sustainable urban environment is essential for a better quality of life.
Tayyaba Chaudhary
Khushab
