Author: Shaina Mansuri

Pakistan and its upper plain areas are facing the worst case of air pollution for the last eight years.  Since 2016, every October has come with a coolness in air alongside the black blanket of pollution. With all this pollution, Lahore- The City of Gardens crowned as the most polluted city in the World in 2024! Let’s explore what Lahore is facing in 2024 with the worst air quality in October 2024.    

The Fifth Season of South Asia 

Across the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), every year there comes a season of air pollution with high pollutants, low visibility, and severe socio-economic disruptions. The cities mostly effected are the highly populated areas of Pakistan and India. Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Amritsar, and Delhi are the crucial ones to mention.  

Research shows that there has been an insane increase in the primary sources of air pollution in these areas in the previous ten years. The major reasons are cropping residue burning and an increase in the usage of motor vehicles.  

Top Causes of Air Pollution and SMOG 

In addition to the burning of crop residues, the primary responsibility of severe air pollution lies upon the shoulders of transportation. Contributing to the nuisance of killer air quality lowing down to insane smog around 39% in 2022, and also reported at 83.15% in 2023. Other major factors include the  

• Emissions from industry,  
• Energy sector,  
• Agriculture sector,  
• Non-combustion industrial processes.  
• Commercial
• Domestic
• Waste procedures

All these sectors produce fossil fuels and harmful elements like vehicular emissions, and industrial waste. Furthermore, air pollution multiplies and stays strong because of the lack of wind and rain which could clean the atmosphere naturally to make it livelier and more breathable.  

What 2024 Brings to the Table for SMOG? 

In 2024, the air quality index (AQI) is already unhealthy for the population at large. Following the trend, the issue is getting worse with every passing day. In October 2024, the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere was around 207.1 µg/m³ which is 41.4 times higher than the annual air quality guideline set up by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This situation makes the atmosphere very unhealthy for the public at large to breathe. Ultimately, the continuation of this pollution crisis can result in serious diseases like stroke, heart problems, and Lung cancer, respiratory issues of acute and chronic nature including Asthma.  

It is important to know that SMOG is not only a regional problem, but also a global issue. However, the severity of conditions does vary from region to region. For instance, there are more than 7 million deaths worldwide due to exposure to outdoor and indoor pollution. Furthermore, unfortunately, the Southeast Asia region tops the list with over 2 million bodies.  

Is There Any Permanent Solution Present? 

It is essential to combat the death blanket to safeguard current and future populations at all costs. For this, it is the need of hour, to come forward on both micro and macro levels to fight back to eliminate this nuisance permanently.  

Government of Punjab is taking the following initiatives to handle smog and air pollution effectively in 2024.  

SMOG Free Punjab Initiative  

By taking many steps, this flagship program seeks to address pollution at its source:  

• Reduction of industrial smog 

• Inspection of fuel quality  

• Banning of tire burning  

• Installation of smog reducing machinery 

• Tree plantation drives 

• Promotion of electric vehicles  

• Closure of environment polluting industries 

Other noteworthy initiatives are Standing Committee of the Cabinet on SMOG Mitigation, Blue Skies (Greener Environment), overall, the government wants to work for better and greener environment in the following ways.  

The major sectors under focus include agriculture, industry, energy, households, transport, environment, and public health.  

Changes in Agriculture Sector 

– Focus on innovative solutions for crop residue management. 

– Implement campaigns to control stubble burning. 

– Raise awareness at the grassroot level to promote sustainable practices. 

Initiatives for Transport Sector 

– Launch the Green Mass Transit Initiative to enhance eco-friendly e-bus transportation. 

– Introducing the Green Wheels Programme providing 10000 EV bikes to students.  

– Establish a vehicle inspection and fitness certification system to reduce emissions. 

– Address traffic congestion in critical areas with dedicated traffic squads from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

– Monitoring of Smoke-emitting vehicles through CCTV.  

Steps for Environment Sector 

– Mitigation of fugitive dust and launch a campaign to manage waste and plastic.  

– Creation of regular response squads for quick action on environmental concerns. 

– Collaboration with the Environment Protection Agency and implement technological innovations. 

Deviations in Industrial Sector 

– Crack down on harmful practices, including tire pyrolysis plants and sub-standard fuel consumption. 

– Industrial monitoring with live CCTV feeds and drone surveillance of industrial clusters to avoid industrial wastes. 

– Transition brick kilns to latest technology and install emission control systems thoroughly. 

How Can We Reduce the SMOG for Years to Come? 

On the macro level, if the government successfully implements all these steps, it will impact the environment positively. However, as individuals, we all should also play our part to reduce pollution and stay safe in this hazardous environment.  

To Safeguard the Environment 

1. Plant more and more trees. 
2. Keep your vehicle in optimal condition. 
3. Get your vehicle fuel from authentic stations to avoid low-quality fuel.  
4. Avoid doing fireworks, and bonfires in private celebrations.  
5. Don’t do construction in SMOG days. 
6. Clean your Houses, Pathways, and Cities.
7. Try to use degradable material for waste disposal  

To Safeguard Health 

• Wear masks outdoors 
• Drink lukewarm water in good quantity. 
• Take Steam on regular basis
• Use indoor plants for cleaner air. 
• Consider air purifiers if the smog and dusty conditions are serious indoors.  
• If you are more prone to respiratory issues, use your medications on time.  

Other precautions you can take are available on PGC.  

Wrap UP 

Smog is the worst form of air pollution. Unfortunately, Lahore and neighbouring cities have fallen under its prey since 2016. Since then, there has been an insane increase in health-related issues. Every year we lose over 2 million people due to air pollution. It is high time to take practical steps to eliminate this devil from our lives! For that, we all have to work together!