Smog 'calamity'

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority has declared smog a "calamity" in Lahore. Children studying in special education institutions, suffering from conditions or diseases susceptible to poor air quality, will be sent on a three-month leave. The provincial government also banned burning crop residue and all types of solid waste and placed curbs on the sale of sub-standard fuels. A new measure, a "green lockdown", was announced targeting smog hotspots across Lahore. However, experts and academics have challenged the government's narrative and data about the main contributors of smog, arguing that one could observe smog around Lahore even during summer months while travelling on the motorway. For her part, provincial chief executive Maryam Nawaz reiterated her call for 'climate diplomacy' with India to tackle the worsening issue of smog on both sides of the border.

It remains to be seen how effective the recent measures announced by the government would be. Lack of enforcement of new and existing policies often plays a major role in undermining mitigation strategies along with an inefficient bureaucracy and inadequate infrastructure. There is a dire need to further enhance public transportation networks in Lahore to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Authorities must invest in green spaces within urban areas as trees and vegetation act as natural air filters by absorbing pollutants and providing cleaner air. Imposing fines and arresting farmers who burn crop stubble is not a sustainable long-term strategy. A better way would be to collaborate with agricultural stakeholders, introduce modern farming techniques to minimise crop residue and run public education campaigns. While the government's efforts to combat smog may be a step in the right direction, a longer-term comprehensive strategy is needed. Anti-smog measures should not be knee-jerk policies cooked up annually if the provincial government is serious about public health.