Pollution chokes city as smog season approaches

Despite the official smog season beginning in November, Faisalabad's Sargodha Road and surrounding areas are already overwhelmed by thick particles of dust and pollutants emitted from nearby factories.

This alarming situation presents a stark picture of neglect by authorities, causing immense distress for residents, commuters, pedestrians, and daily travellers in the region.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been actively working to curb the illegal practices of stubble burning, use of substandard fuel, and excessive motor vehicle emissions through its year-round anti-smog squads. However, the efforts of the EPD are being undermined by industrial units and brick kilns that fail to adopt necessary pollution control technologies like the zigzag kiln system and air pollution control mechanisms.

Many of these industries have also failed to maintain compliance reports, obtain no-objection certificates from the EPD, and install monitoring systems such as CCTV cameras for regulatory oversight.

Muhammad Arfan, a rickshaw driver, described the conditions on Sargodha Road as unbearable, highlighting that the area, a hub of industrial activity, has become a nightmare for commuters due to the unchecked smoke emissions from textile and sizing units.

He added that many industrial estates openly burn stubble, husk, and other waste materials, contributing to the hazardous air quality without any intervention from relevant authorities.

Dr Faheem Yousaf, Allied Hospital Medical Superintendent, expressed concern over the rising number of respiratory illnesses linked to the worsening air quality. "There has been a significant increase in cases of asthma, lung, kidney, and ENT diseases caused by industrial pollutants," he said. "Out of the 5,000 to 6,000 patients seen daily at the hospital's outpatient department (OPD), nearly 60% complain of respiratory issues." Dr Faheem urged the government to take stronger action against industrial emissions and regulate the construction sector, both of which are exacerbating air pollution in the area.