Ministry concerned cannot brush the matter away by calling it a climatic factor beyond their control
LAHORE: As India makes it to the list of the top-most polluted countries of the world, it is important for Pakistan, which itself is grappling with severe climate change threats, to take measures on the smog and fumes that come from India into Pakistan. Owing to the presence of industrial units and agricultural land surrounding the border on both sides, industrial fumes and ash of burnt crop stubble pollute the environments in both countries. However, as has been reported 2,620 fire and stubble burning incidents occurred in Indian territory compared to 26 in Pakistan over a period of 24 hours, the damage for Pakistan is manifold compared to that of India.
The Senate committee on climate change must bring up the issue and seek response from the ministry of climate change. As smog incursion into areas near the border is likely to worsen with the winter season approaching, the matter should be treated as a priority. A mechanism also needs to be developed to monitor the burning of crop residue by farmers which despite being banned under section 144 is still a common practice in rural areas of the country. It does not only pollute the environment but is also a major cause of road accidents during fall and winter seasons.
The ministry concerned cannot brush the matter away by calling it a climatic factor beyond their control. If fumes from the neighbouring country are the primary cause of the severe smog, it is important the issue must be raised before the same ministry of the neighbouring country.
Arfa Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2017.
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