Smog rings alarm bells for twin cities

Government depts’ towering claims to combat smog fall flat

RAWALPINDI:

Towering claims of the Environment Protection Department, district administrations, and other relevant authorities have fallen flat with the onset of the smog season as the twin cities’ Air Quality Index (AQI) has worsened beyond dangerous levels.

As the smog season descended upon Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the AQI exceeded 150, portraying relevant authorities’ ineffective action.

The smog season began on November 1 and is expected to persist until February 28.

To combat the deteriorating air quality, a smog emergency has been declared in schools and rural areas across the Rawalpindi Division.

Read Smog: Facing unsustainable management again

On Thursday, Islamabad recorded an AQI of 154, while Rawalpindi had a higher reading at 180. Neighbouring districts such as Attock recorded an AQI of 143, Chakwal 159, and Jhelum 159. Even in Murree, the AQI surpassed 100, reaching 104, causing widespread concern.

The district administration and the Environment Protection Department are eagerly awaiting rain as a solution to the growing air pollution.

However, the region has not witnessed any significant rainfall in the past month. Consequently, areas like Rawalpindi's suburbs, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Rawat, Saham, Sihala, and Kahutta Road have been shrouded in smog.

As a result, AQI levels in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have sounded the alarm for both cities. Despite assurances from the Environment Protection Department, Regional Transport Authority, Traffic Police, and Civil Defense, operations against smog-emitting sources such as brick kilns, factories, stone-crushing machines, and polluting vehicles have fallen short.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2023.