'Lahore smog tower fails to reduce pollution'
Following the findings of the Pakistan Air Quality Experts group, an official government environmental committee has also declared Lahore's first smog tower ineffective in reducing air pollution.
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formed a nine-member committee on January 15 to evaluate the performance of the smog tower installed at Mehmood Booti, Lahore.
The committee comprised environmental experts, professors from Punjab University, Government College University, and the University of Engineering and Technology, as well as representatives from PCSIR and SUPARCO.
After days of monitoring the tower's effects, the committee compiled a detailed report.
According to the report, the smog tower was initially claimed to purify the air within a one-kilometre radius. To assess its impact, the EPA installed four air quality monitoring stations at different distances and analysed data from six monitoring stations.
The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the reduction in PM2.5 concentration and wind speed, while rainfall also played a significant role in improving air quality.
The study highlighted that meteorological factors – especially wind speed, humidity, and rainfall – had a far greater impact on air quality than the smog tower itself.
Furthermore, observations during the installation phase showed that approximately 373 kilograms of airborne particles were present within a one-kilometre radius and up to 0.5 kilometres in height.
However, the smog tower's efficiency in removing PM2.5 particles was recorded as extremely low, raising concerns about the performance of its electrostatic dust collection system.
Experts identified several reasons for the smog tower's failure, including poor voltage regulation, an ineffective electrostatic electrode design and an inadequate filtration system.
The report recommended adopting more advanced and scientifically proven methods to combat air pollution effectively.
Punjab Environment Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar clarified that the provincial government had not incurred any costs for the smog tower installation, as it was a private company's pilot project.
He further stated that the company has been given an additional three months to improve its technology.
The company has acknowledged existing flaws in the system and is working to address them.
To protect against air pollution, experts have advised the public to limit unnecessary outdoor movement, wear masks and use air purifiers at home.
Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging scientists and engineers to research and develop modern technologies to reduce environmental pollution.