After Punjab, smog hits K-P

PESHAWAR:

Peshawar. Due to humidity levels dropping below 90%, Peshawar is experiencing fog. The Environmental Protection Department has advised the use of masks to protect against smog, avoiding the burning of crop residues, banning high-emission vehicles, and refraining from burning items in open spaces.

According to the department, the smog situation in Peshawar is considerably better than in other cities of Punjab. After 11 am, visibility has significantly improved, confirming the presence of fog, as opposed to smog, where visibility remains low throughout the day.

Since October, there has been no rainfall in Peshawar, and due to climate changes, fog has arrived about a month earlier than usual.

Business centres, especially food cooking shops and hotels, are advised to avoid open-air burning. Pollution is a major cause of smog; as temperatures drop, warm air tends to stay suspended rather than rising.

Reduced traffic on the roads can also help decrease smog intensity. Smog poses serious health risks, including chest infections and pneumonia, especially for children, adults, and the elderly. If visibility is dangerously low during smog, driving should be avoided.

Wearing a mask during smoggy days protects against pollution. Activities like burning crop residues, using high-emission vehicles, and running industries that do not follow environmental regulations can contribute to transforming fog into smog.