Imagine a city where everyone breathes toxic air every day. A city that looks dark even during the day because of gases that are released by polluter vehicles. Once upon a time, this city was blissful and healthy. Its citizens used to feel fresh and energised. But now it is turning into a place where it is difficult to breathe.
The city I’m talking about is Hub. The industrial city of Balochistan which is home to major industries as well as polluter vehicles. You can easily find numerous vehicles in Hub that release extremely harmful gases which are dangerous not only for people but also for the environment. These gases are not released once a month or even once a week, but rather every single day.
Some people have the sense to raise their voices against these vehicles and the gases they emit. They mention how these gases destroy our health and make it difficult to breathe. But they are often sidelined by others who claim to not be perturbed by the gases at all. Unfortunately, these people do not know the long-term effects of such emissions. These gases will cause diseases in the longer run.
What’s more, poorly maintained buses, trucks, rickshaws, motorbikes and other old vehicles are also among the biggest emitters of harmful gases. In addition, many vehicles that are not properly repaired also contribute to this pollution. As a result, people suffer from various health problems such as asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, skin conditions, and eye disorders. Most concerningly, these emissions weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off diseases.
Above all, these vehicles also contribute to noise pollution, leaving people increasingly frustrated. Many of them eventually become dysfunctional yet their owners continue to use them on the roads. Imagine, for a moment, if this continues unchecked for years and the government remains silent — will Hub still be a liveable place? Absolutely not. In my view, the next generation will grow up in a severely polluted environment. To prevent this, the government must address the issue seriously. First, regular vehicle inspections should be enforced. Second, smoke-emitting vehicles must be banned. And finally, citizens themselves need to raise their voices against these polluting vehicles. Without such measures, Hub will not remain a place fit for living.
Ali Koh Baloch
Hub
