Dr. Ahmad Mahmood, Dr. Muqarrab Ali
Department of Climate Change, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan
ahmad.mahmood@mnsuam.edu.pk
As winter approaches, Punjab faces the return of a troubling environmental crisis: smog. Particularly in major urban areas such as Lahore, this toxic haze has become a perennial struggle, often described as the “fifth season.” Despite extensive efforts by government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), air quality remains alarmingly poor. The latest Punjab Urban Unit report highlights transport as the primary contributor to the region’s particulate emissions at 83.15%, with industry, agriculture, waste burning, commercial, and domestic sources adding to the pollution burden. However, reversing this crisis requires more than official oversight; it demands collective and responsible action from every sector of society. This article calls upon the public, industries, and local authorities to address this shared responsibility and adopt practical solutions to alleviate the region’s escalating air pollution problem.
The health and environmental repercussions of smog are profound, affecting both individuals and communities. Punjab’s air quality crisis poses a significant threat to public health, with particulate matter such as PM2.5—a dangerous pollutant linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases—far exceeding safe limits. Data from Lahore, where PM2.5 levels are sometimes recorded at nearly 60 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended threshold of 5 µg/m³, underscores the magnitude of the issue. Exposure to such high levels of PM2.5 has dire health consequences, contributing to respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular problems, and even cognitive decline. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions face elevated risks, with symptoms that include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and chest discomfort. Beyond individual health, smog restricts visibility, increases the risk of accidents, and disrupts transportation systems, compounding the economic costs of pollution.
Addressing this public health emergency requires immediate, widespread action to reduce the primary sources of pollution. A major portion of Punjab’s air pollution comes from transportation. With 83.15% of emissions attributed to vehicles, it is vital that citizens across all demographics engage in solutions to manage vehicle emissions. Regular tuning and emissions checks of private and public transport can significantly reduce harmful pollutants released into the air. In this critical season, vehicle owners should take steps to ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained, while those relying on high-emission vehicles such as rickshaws, buses, trucks, and tractors should limit usage whenever possible. This small step can collectively impact overall air quality, particularly if community leaders and local officials reinforce the importance of vehicle emission control during the winter months.
The problem is not limited to transport; waste burning in neighbourhoods is another persistent issue contributing to smog, yet one that can be resolved at the community level. In some areas, burning household waste is a common practice, adding significant quantities of particulates and harmful chemicals to the air. Households and community councils are urged to explore alternative waste disposal methods to avoid open burning. Proper disposal of waste through municipal services, composting, and increased awareness at the neighbourhood level can help curb this harmful practice. Communities can take the initiative to establish neighbourhood guidelines against waste burning and encourage responsible waste management, as simple actions at the individual level can compound into meaningful improvements in air quality.
Agricultural practices also play a role in the smog season, particularly through crop residue burning. Traditionally, farmers burn leftover crop material to prepare fields for the next planting season, but this practice releases large volumes of smoke and particulates. Alternatives to burning, such as mulching and composting, not only improve air quality but also enhance soil fertility. Farmers must be encouraged, through incentives and education, to adopt these sustainable practices. Local authorities and agricultural associations can facilitate this shift by providing resources and support for farmers seeking alternative waste management options for crop residues. In this regard, non-governmental organizations like WWF-Pakistan, which has successfully implemented capacity-building initiatives, can play a vital role by supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices that protect air quality.
Industries, especially brick kilns and factories near urban areas, contribute significantly to air pollution through uncontrolled emissions. In Punjab’s capital, Lahore, industrial emissions remain a persistent source of pollutants, with industries using outdated technologies that lack adequate emission control systems. Industrial facilities, including brick kilns, should be required to install modern air filtration devices and adopt cleaner energy solutions where possible. Shifting to renewable energy, using emission control technologies, and adopting biomass energy for heating and power generation can all mitigate the pollution produced by these industries. Brick kiln owners and other industry stakeholders have an important role in this environmental challenge. By implementing pollution control measures and switching to cleaner fuels, they can help reduce their environmental footprint.
Improving air quality in Punjab also requires a comprehensive, government-led approach to urban and traffic management. Lahore, a rapidly growing metropolis with dense traffic and limited public transit options, would benefit from coordinated efforts to control congestion in high-emission zones. Low-cost air quality monitoring systems and real-time traffic management could allow local authorities to regulate traffic in pollution hotspots. Temporarily closing high-traffic areas, creating dedicated routes for high-emission vehicles, and synchronizing public transport schedules during peak hours can reduce pollution spikes. These initiatives would be further strengthened by expanding Lahore’s public transport infrastructure, including the Metro Bus and Orange Line projects, and making public transit more accessible to reduce dependency on private vehicles.
Lastly, advancing public awareness is crucial. Educating citizens on the health risks of smog and the benefits of pollution-reducing practices will build a more resilient, informed society. Public health campaigns emphasizing the dangers of smog exposure, especially for vulnerable populations, can motivate individuals to adopt safer practices. Local governments and NGOs should also focus on the importance of household choices, such as minimizing outdoor activity during high-smog periods and using masks when necessary.
In summary, combating smog in Punjab requires a multipronged approach that combines government policy, industry responsibility, and individual action. While the Environmental Protection Department and other agencies play a central role in monitoring and regulating air quality, public cooperation is essential to achieving sustainable, long-term improvements. Every citizen can contribute, from maintaining their vehicles to reducing household waste and advocating for cleaner industrial practices. Together, these collective efforts will help alleviate the burden of air pollution on Punjab’s health, environment, and economy, paving the way toward a cleaner, healthier future for all.
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