While ongoing development projects in several parts of Lahore have caused inconvenience to residents due to extensive road excavations and inadequate safety measures, environmental experts have warned that the dust, debris and stagnant sewage water at various sites are also likely to worsen the city's smog situation.
Along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, from the Quaid-e-Azam Interchange to Wagah Border. installation of a new sewerage line has been under way for several months.
Local residents view the project as a long-awaited step toward resolving chronic sanitation issues, yet they complain that the absence of precautionary measures has led to dangerously high levels of dust and air pollution.
A resident, Ali Hamza, said piles of debris and unplanned digging had disrupted daily life. "We support the government's development plan, but the flying dust and foul-smelling stagnant water are causing illnesses, especially respiratory problems among children and the elderly," he said. Another resident, Ghulam Abbas, said the authorities responsible should regularly sprinkle water at construction sites to settle dust and ensure that temporary drainage arrangements are made until new sewer lines are completed.
Similar conditions exist in areas such as Samanabad, Shahdara, Iqbal Town, and Johar Town, where development work is under way.
At most of these sites, contractors appear to be neglecting environmental protection standards. No safety nets have been installed, nor are any Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clearance boards displayed.
According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Department, action is being taken against contractors violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs), but simultaneous work at dozens of sites across the city has made monitoring difficult.
Meanwhile, the city's smog monitoring and forecasting system recorded Lahore's air quality as "unhealthy for sensitive groups" on Sunday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at 175 in the morning, with a daily average of 155. Experts attributed this to low wind speeds of up to 8km/h, high humidity, and the absence of rainfall, all of which have limited pollutant dispersion.
Nighttime cooling, increased traffic, and higher fuel consumption further worsened the pollution levels.
Government departments and district administration continue to monitor air quality round the clock.
Senior Provincial Minister Mariyyum Aurangzeb stated, "The government can make laws, but implementation requires cooperation from every citizen. Clean air and a healthy environment cannot be achieved through official efforts alone - public participation is vital."
Environmental experts warned that lack of strict enforcement of environmental safeguards on the ongoing development projects might result in the city's air quality deteriorating in the coming weeks, especially with the onset of winter, when smog typically intensifies across the province.
Meanwhile, an environmental expert said on Sunday that the smog season is expected to begin earlier than usual this year due to factors such as the recent flooding, crop residue burning, and weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Dr Zainab Naeem called upon the citizens to take responsibility by reducing the use of polluting fuels, minimising outdoor fires and supporting green initiatives to help improve the air quality.
She emphasised the significant role the private sector must play alongside government efforts to protect the environment. She explained that industries and businesses need to adopt cleaner technologies and enforce stricter environmental standards to reduce emissions and improve the air quality.
With additional input from APP
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