Smog levels expected to increase in winter

As coronavirus cases continue to balloon in Punjab, smog prevalence and worsening air quality have raised new concerns for respiratory illnesses across the provincial capital.

Although the recent spell of rain has helped clear the air, environmental experts expect smog levels to spike again with drop in temperature.

On the other hand, spread of Covid-19, alleged to be catalysed by smog prevalence in the city, has stirred the government to take certain rehabilitation measures.

In the regard, the provincial environment protection department has started closing down smoke emitting kilns and factories while also proscribing the burning of rice crop residues in the region. Yet however, the said measures have had little impact on the city’s environmental condition, which has created the need for more advanced solutions.

As per Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, at present the provincial capital’s air index rises to more than 490 a day, making Lahore one of the most polluted cities in the world

In response, traffic control authorities in Lahore have also been advised to maintain a fast flow of traffic in the city, which is speculated to reduce emission levels in metropolis areas.

In addition to that, special directions have also been issued to avoid any increase in private vehicles on road, considering that 53 per cent of Lahore’s November smog is owed to traffic emissions.

Authorities however, have reportedly been struggling to improve traffic conditions during office hours. In this regard, the provincial chief minister’s electric bus initiative is expected to aid office hour traffic via access to better public transport alternatives in the city.

According to environmental department sources, smog levels so far had been under control owing to the delayed temperature shift in the region. “But now that it is getting colder every day, the intensity of fog will increase due to which so will the intensity of smog. Although there is no sign of smog leaving the city, the department anticipates at least 20 more days of it. Any rainfall during this period will definitely help lower the intensity of smog but if it doesn’t rain and the temperature drops, smog levels are likely to spike,” the source informed.

As per Botanist Professor Ikram-ul-Haq, increase urbanisation in the Lahore metropolitan area is one of the chief reasons for increased air pollution in recent times. “Housing societies and industrial land has taken over the city’s fields and green spaces, leading to a number of environmental changes such as smog. Smog is now in turn damaging the remaining green spaces,” Professor Haq opined.

Talking about increasing air pollution levels in the region, provincial environmental protection department officials said that winds flowing from India are responsible for Lahore’s deplorable air quality.

“Air pollution in Pakistan routinely increases during harvest season in India. Apart from Lahore, people in neighbouring cities like Raiwand, Multan, Gujranwala, Muridke, Sahiwal, Okara and Faislabad are also facing severe issues due to the smog,” the official commented.

Elaborating on these issues University of Health and Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Akram said that various health risks like inflamed eyes and respiratory allergies are reported to be increasing due to smog prevalence in the area. “These conditions are also likely to accelerate the spread of Covid-19, which is why people should avoid going out as much as possible, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to boost immunity,” he advised.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2020.