Lahore’s air quality still ‘hazardous’

Experts advise imposing ban on burning wood and coal in open spaces

LAHORE: Lahore’s air quality continued to fluctuate within the ‘hazardous’ range. On Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI), as reported by AirVisual, a global air monitoring giant, was recorded to be 300 till the filing of this report.

A ranking of air quality and pollution indicates that Lahore is still second among the list of major polluted cities; Delhi came in first with an AQI of 505.

The information available on the AirVisual website has predicted that the air quality in the provincial capital will remain in the hazardous range till Saturday, November 16,. Little improvement has been predicted in the following days.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, an official from the Pakistan Meteorological Department claimed that the air quality of the provincial capital is improving, as compared to previous weeks. He maintained that on Wednesday, the average AQI was around 180, which is safe.

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However, international air quality standards states that AQI beyond 100 is unhealthy for those the elderly and the infirm.

Health and environment experts have warned that burning crop remains could further worsen air quality in the provincial capital and adjoining cities; several cases of burning crop residue have been reported despite the imposition of a ban.

Experts also called for imposing a ban on burning coal and wood in open spaces for heating and recreational activities, such as barbeques.

Young Doctors’ Association (YDA) General Secretary Dr Salman Kazmi underlined that felling trees are the main cause of environmental pollution and smog. “Due to an increase in smog and environmental pollution, many diseases are spreading,” he said.

He appealed to the government to plant new trees and impose a ban on cutting greenery. He also advised the general public to take certain precautions when leaving the house and to avoid visiting places unnecessarily.

“Use facemasks when outside and travelling on motorcycles. When coughing, place a cloth over your mouth,” he advised.

Meanwhile, Punjab Industries, Trade and Information Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal presided over a meeting on Wednesday at the Provincial Board of Investment and Trade Office. Preemptive measures to combat smog and converting kilns to zigzag technology were discussed.

During the meeting, it was unanimously agreed to carve out a roadmap in consultation with brick kiln owners to shift them onto zigzag technology. Punjab Environment Protection Minister Muhammad Rizwan, Punjab Environment Protection Secretary Salman Ijaz, All Pakistan Brick Kiln Association President Shoaib Khan Niazi and others also participated in the meeting.

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Speaking at the ceremony, the trade minister stated that under the formulated roadmap, 8,000 brick kilns will be shifted to zigzag technology. “We do not wish to cease someone’s income by closing down brick kilns. We have to control smog using effective measures,” he said.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government, he maintained, was determined to provide the younger generation a pollution-free environment. Brick kilns located near cities will be shifted to zigzag technology on a priority basis, he maintained.

Punjab Environment Protection Minister Muhammad Rizwan informed the participants that the Environment Protection Department is working proactively towards eliminating smog. Various decisions will be taken keeping in view the problems being faced by the common man and in order to overcome problems related to the phenomenon, he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2019.