Smog squads

Requiring EPA’s approval before announcing AQI ratings is merely a cheap cop-out

It seems that the Punjab government has finally arisen from their deep slumber this year around and has finally declared the smog situation in Lahore a “calamity”. It has further instructed other relevant officials to make concerted efforts to mitigate and control smog. Now, the district administration of Lahore has constituted five anti-smog squads for 30 days to monitor and curb pollution levels. The goal is to regulate smoke-emitting industries and inspect issues of misuse of water connections and electricity theft. Those who resist or act in opposition will be penalised accordingly.

The news might just come as a sigh of relief for the choking citizens of Lahore who have long been left at the mercy of the deadly smog, many of whom had recently taken to Twitter to express their discontent. It will prove to be a worthwhile initiative only if the squad members are equipped with adequate knowledge and act with an iron fist. We must however be patient as change does not occur instantly.

It is rather unfortunate that the Punjab Minister of Environmental Protection feels that “unscrupulous elements” are attempting to damage Pakistan’s image by spreading false AQI readings. Punishing those who “allegedly” do so and requiring the EPA’s approval before announcing AQI ratings is merely a cheap cop out and foreshadows that the initiative might not amount to much. The authorities must also be aware of the bigger picture. If successful and sincerely carried out, the initiative can be thought off as a pilot project which can eventually be expanded to the national level. This can then be divided into three branches — land, water and air — to create an overarching anti-pollution project.

For this, the government will also need to collaborate with relevant NGOs, environmental organisations and community leaders. Plans and measures must be tailor made for each specific situation, location and community. It is time to rectify the shortcomings in the PTI’s climate action plan by realising that change always starts from the ground-up.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2021.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.