Clearing the haze

To rejuvenate regional collaboration, reviving trans-boundary air quality monitoring system in South Asia imperative

As winter descends upon Punjab, so does the annual menace of smog, casting a murky veil over the region. While the government’s recent mobilisation of resources to address the issue is a welcome intervention, it raises crucial questions about the reactive approach taken by authorities in tackling this persistent problem.

Year after year, as smog becomes an unwelcome harbinger of winter, our response seems to be a hurried scramble to contain the damage rather than a concerted effort to prevent it. The current strategy creates an emergency situation for both the public and private sector stakeholders, leaving citizens to bear with the consequences without a visible, long-term and sustainable plan in sight. Air quality in major cities of Punjab consistently fall short of the National Environment Quality Standards, leading to serious health and environmental implications. Despite the existence of institutional frameworks and legal mechanisms, these measures only spring into action when specific weather conditions conducive to smog prevail. To bridge this gap, Pakistan should learn from the successful strategies implemented by developed countries. This involves establishing robust air quality monitoring systems, implementing stringent regulations and strengthening implementation frameworks. Global and regional initiatives provide valuable tools and techniques that Pakistan can leverage to combat smog effectively.

To rejuvenate regional collaboration, reactivating the trans-boundary air quality monitoring system in South Asia is imperative. This would enable better coordination among member countries to collectively address the cross-border aspects of air pollution and smog — as the problem is shared with neighbouring India. Moving forward, a proactive approach is necessary. Real-time air quality data should be accessible. Building awareness and identifying sustainable alternatives are vital to come up with a holistic solution.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2023.

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