Environmental crisis: Punjab braces for another episode of smog

Much of the province faces threat of deteriorating air quality

LAHORE: Every year more and more cities around the world face deadly smog, which means toxic air is emerging as the covert cause for many respiratory ailments. In Punjab, the smog of complacency pervades the province over this silent public health emergency.

According to experts, the provincial capital and much of the province are at risk of being engulfed by another episode of densely polluted air. Over the past few years, Lahore has made it to the list of most polluted cities on earth innumerable times, and its residents refer to the months with low visibility and breathability as the smog season.

According to recent figures provided by environmental experts, there are more than ten thousand factories across 36 districts of Punjab, which contribute to the rising levels of air pollution. These industrial plants burn plastic and other harmful items to produce fuel. “Industrial pollution is not only damaging human health but also results in increased environmental pollution,” said a health expert, who monitors the situation in the province.

As Lahore chokes on winter smog, Pakistan moves to cut air pollution

Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura are the epicenter of Punjab’s pollution crisis. The cities are known for poor air quality. Despite a steady rise in pollution levels across the province, authorities have only dealt with the situation on an as and when required basis. Several cities have struggled with deteriorating air quality, but the administration has not been able to regulate or control the spread of pollution. “Every year, deteriorating air quality spikes between October and December, but the administration only adopts temporary measures to clampdown on sources of pollution,” said one observer.

New research published in the European Health Journal, indicates air pollution not only hits the respiratory system, but it also impacts, via the bloodstream on heart health. According to health experts, air pollution has emerged as a major cause of death and disease globally. Health effects range from increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits to increased risk of premature death. World Health Organization figures indicate global ambient air pollution causes 29% of all deaths and disease from lung cancer, 17% of all deaths and disease from acute lower respiratory infection, 24% of all deaths from stroke, 25% of all deaths and disease from ischaemic heart disease and 43% of all deaths and disease from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite global warnings, Punjab seems far from a plan to tackle this major environmental hazard.”

The administration should be active in protecting the environment all year round and not just around smog season,” said one environmental expert, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Taking stop-gap measures to address a perennial issue provides no solution. This clampdown on sources of pollution will not help in the long term,” he added. As Lahore braces for another episode of smog, authorities claim they have issued notices to more than 200 industrial units. In addition to that, traffic wardens have launched a crackdown against vehicles and motorcycles that emit air pollution. “We are issuing notices to industries. We have sealed several units,” said Secretary Environment Protection Salman Ijaz. Chief Meteorologist Azmat Hayat Khan believes the only solution to prevent smog is by reducing pollution in the province. “By controlling pollution, we can prevent smog and even slow down the impact of climate change,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2019.