Lahore's toxic air

Lahore's air is toxic. The country's second largest city is suffocating under a blanket of smog. On Monday, the city was the most polluted urban centre on the planet, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 707. The city remained engulfed in a blanket of smog throughout the day with low visibility. Similarly, the PM2.5 concentration in Lahore was 249µg/m³, 49.8 times higher than the WHO air quality value. Like every year, the government has taken some measures, but their effect on the AQI is debatable. The burning of crop stubble and industrial emissions primarily fuels the smog crisis. Farmers on both sides of the border burn crop stubble during the season. Vehicle emissions, brick kilns not using zig-zag technology, geographical and climate conditions also contribute.

Despite introducing measures such as banning crop burning and initiating public transport projects, Lahore's air quality has continued to decline. Based on earlier data from the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, toxic air reduces life expectancy by up to 4.4 years. The provincial government needs to take bold steps. There is an immediate need to overhaul existing environmental regulations and enforcement. Investment in renewables, along with greater public transport options, will reduce emissions. Public awareness campaigns are also needed to educate citizens about the sources of pollution and the steps they can take to mitigate personal contributions. Although the government has initiated a crackdown on vehicles with high emissions, such smoke checks should be carried out throughout the year.

The issue also presents a good chance to engage with India on climate diplomacy as smog plagues both Punjabs during the season. New Delhi suffers greatly too. Even if authorities control emissions and harmful practices on our side of the border, prevailing wind currents will carry over the pollution from India. The government does not have a choice. Either act decisively or the masses will suffer irreversible damage to their health.